Building on a robust first-half performance, July exports of U.S. pork continued to outpace year-ago levels, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). But, beef exports took a step back in July, posting the lowest volume since January. Starting with the good news, pork exports in July were up 5% year-over-year, while the export value …
Around the State with Commissioner Pate
In this week’s “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, Commissioner I understand there is a new threat to Alabama’s honeybee colonies. Can you tell us about it? Again, if you believe you found a yellow-legged hornet, send a photo of the insect with the abdomen and legs visible to agi.alabama.gov/contact-us/ with the subject line “Invasive Species”. Or contact the …
July Pork Exports Above Year-Ago Levels, Slow Month for Beef Exports
According to numbers released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), July exports of U.S. pork continued to outpace year-ago levels. On the other hand, beef exports took a step back in July, posting the lowest volume since January, but export value per head of fed slaughter again exceeded $400. July pork exports totaled 219,014 …
Alabama Application Deadline for Meat and Poultry Processing Nearing
Here’s a reminder from the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority that it is accepting loan applications under the Alabama Meat Processing Program. This program is a result of a $15 million award from the USDA through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program. Applications for Phase I will close Thursday, September 14, 2023. The low interest loans are intended to support …
Commissioner Simpson Requests Flexibility in Federal Disaster Programs for Florida Ag Industry Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 6, 2023) — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson sent a letter to United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack highlighting the catastrophic damage suffered by Florida’s agriculture industry from Hurricane Idalia and asked for specific flexibilities in reporting deadlines and sign-up periods for standing federal disaster programs. The letter can be read here [  875.1 kB ] and below. Dear Secretary …
USDA Invests in Conservation Innovation Grants
The USDA has announced the availability of $65 million through two funding opportunities to further natural resource conservation on private lands through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is being directed to prioritize CIG On-Farm Trials projects that use diet and feed management to reduce enteric methane emissions from ruminants, as well as other projects that have climate …
Alabama Junior Cattlemen Holding Fall Field Day
The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) will be holding their 2023 Fall Youth Production Field Day on September 13th. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Director of Field Services, Reid McGuire, says the event is sponsored by the Alabama State Beef Checkoff Program. Learn more by contacting the ACA office in Montgomery at 334-265-1867. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary …
West Coast Port Workers Ratify Labor Contract
Last week, members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which represents dockworkers at all U.S. West Coast ports, voted to ratify a tentative contract agreement. The Union voted 75 percent in favor of approving the agreement that runs until 2028 six-year agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2022, and runs through July 1, 2028. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO …
Around the State with Commissioner Pate
In this week’s “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, Commissioner, I understand you’d like to share with us information about a big event that took place this past weekend. For more information about the Alabama Open Horseman Association annual state championship horse show, click here. That’s our weekly Around the State with Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner, …
USDA Getting Word Out About 22007 Financial Assistance Program
If you’ve been discriminated against in the past by USDA, officials want you to know about a special program of financial assistance. Gary Crawford has the story coming up on This Land of Ours. If you are a farmer or a forest landowner who feels USDA has in the past discriminated against you in its farm programs, you may be …