The Growing Access to Environmental Sustainability (GATES) Act seeks to reduce barriers that producers face in accessing agricultural conservation programs. Congressman John Duarte, a farmer from California, is on the coalition behind the act. He says current adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations of $900,000 disproportionately limit producers with high input costs from participating in certain USDA conservation-focused programs. “That sounds …
Southern Peanut Growers Conference Brings Industry Together
By Clint Thompson The Southern Peanut Growers Conference informed and enlightened attendees at last week’s meeting about what is required for growers to remain sustainable now and into the future. The conference, held at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida, included representatives from the Georgia Peanut Commission, Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Florida Peanut Producers Association and …
Around the State with Commissioner Pate
In this week’s “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, the Commissioner invites farmers around the state to attend their upcoming farm bill discussion public hearings. He and U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) are providing an opportunity for those who will be impacted by the farm bill to offer input and voice their concerns. Commissioner, tell us more about …
Supporting the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention Surveillance and Rapid Response Act
Back in May, a bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate called the Animal Disease and Disaster Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023. The legislation is designed to boost resources for programs that help prevent and respond to animal disease outbreaks. That includes the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures …
Cattle Producers Direct Action on Cell-Cultured Products
Members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) passed a directive to continue advocating for transparent labeling and inspection of cell-cultured protein products. While NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says cattle producers aren’t afraid of competition, he knows that consumers will continue choosing real high-quality beef over cell-cultured imitations. “Our priority is ensuring that consumers know the difference between real beef and cell-cultured …
Georgia Cotton Commission Hosts Mid-Year Meeting
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission’s first mid-year meeting on Wednesday in Statesboro, Georgia, educated and celebrated with those in attendance. The event at the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center at Georgia Southern University provided growers timely information as they continue to navigate the current growing season. It also celebrated the winners of the Georgia Cotton Quality Awards, which was a …
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Federal Advisory Committee Meeting
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to submit comments and virtually attend a public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Committee. The virtual meeting will run from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Eastern on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. ? The Committee is part of USDA’s …
NCBA President Hits Back at Animal Rights Activists and Policymakers Attacking the Beef Checkoff
(NCBA/WASHINGTON, D. C./July 26, 2023) — Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer, responded to attacks on the Beef Checkoff and NCBA from animal rights activists and their allies in Congress: “As a cattle producer, I know what it means to work hard for every dollar, and I am proud to invest my money …
USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program Applications from Florida Producers in 28 Counties
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for applications from agricultural producers for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Ian. The application deadline has been extended to September 25, 2023. “We understand the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian and the catastrophic and widespread impacts in Florida’s agricultural communities,” said Deborah Tannenbaum, State Executive …
Spartz Ag Appropriations Amendment Ignites Checkoff Debate
The cattle industry is speaking out against a proposed amendment to the ag appropriations bill, and the Representative behind the amendment is firing back. Introduced by Indiana Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05), the amendment states that none of the funds made available by the bill may be used to carry out commodity checkoff programs. Vice President of Government Affairs with the …