From the National Corn Growers Association: Regulatory barriers facing agriculture are a major driver of agriculture industry consolidation, National Corn Growers Association Chief Executive Officer Chris Novak testified today at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on consolidation and competition in the U.S. seed and agrochemical industry. “Domestic regulatory hurdles for crop protection chemicals and delays in international approvals for new …
Total U.S. Corn Export Sales Up 1.8 Percent
From the National Corn Growers Association: The United States exported more than 1.8 billion bushels of corn in the 2015/2016 marketing year, a 1.8 percent increase from the prior year, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture’s weekly sales reports. Mexico, Japan and Colombia ranked in the top three for total accumulated exports of U.S. corn with more than 492.1 million …
NCBA Takes Stand Against HSUS Attempt to Weaken Beef Checkoff
From the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: WASHINGTON (Sept. 16, 2016) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was recently notified that Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) attorneys have filed a lawsuit against USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on behalf of the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM). This lawsuit seeks to divide the beef industry against itself by opening …
Plains Peanut Festival set for Sept. 24
From the Georgia Peanut Commission: TIFTON, Ga. (Sept. 16, 2016) The The 2016 Plains Peanut Festival kicks off Sept. 24 with a parade and lots of peanuts. The festival is held annually in Plains, Georgia, home of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, and Bobby Moss will be honored …
USDA Designates 2 More Counties in Georgia as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Sep. 16, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Lincoln and Wilkes counties in Georgia as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in Columbia, Elbert, McDuffie, Oglethorpe, Taliaferro and Warren counties in Georgia also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their …
UF/IFAS-led Team Finds Faster, Better Way to Detect Salmonella in Meat, Chicken
From the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences By: Brad Buck GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A team of scientists led by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers has found a faster and more precise way to detect salmonella in beef and chicken, a finding that could help prevent major illnesses. Salmonella is the lauding …
Georgia Farmer Produces Record Soybean Crop
From the University of Georgia, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences By Clint Thompson South Georgia farmer Randy Dowdy is the new world record holder in soybean yield, and he credits University of Georgia Cooperative Extension for playing a role in his success. A Brooks County, Georgia, farmer, Dowdy was recognized by UGA Extension Agronomist Jared Whitaker at an event …
PMA, United Fresh Establish Joint Working Group on Listeria Monocytogenes
From the Produce Marketing Association: Washington, D.C. —Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh) are collaborating to address produce-specific challenges surrounding Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). While both organizations have been actively working with their respective members on individual projects related to reducing the risk of produce-associated foodborne illnesses from Lm, additional areas exist where a joint effort …
Alabama Fall Crop Outlook
From the Alabama Cooperative Extension System: AUBURN, Ala.—Farming is not for the faint of heart. Many are the varying factors that play a part in good growing seasons and high yields. Producers deal with pest pressures, weed issues, too much—or not enough—rainfall and a plethora of variables on a daily basis during the growing season. There are a number of …
NCC Cites Need for Broad Examination of Global Fiber Markets
From the National Cotton Council: MEMPHIS, Tenn. – National Cotton Council President/CEO Dr. Gary Adams says, “The U.S. decision to pursue a challenge against Chinese agricultural subsidies for grain crops reflects a growing desire in the United States and abroad to address more effectively the range of policies in major developing countries that affect agricultural markets.” He further noted that …