This week, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) submitted a comprehensive proposal to USDA for modernizing the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system, the product of two years of examination and more than 150 meetings held to build consensus behind updates to a program that last saw significant changes in 2000. “Dairy farmers and their cooperatives need a modernized Federal Milk Marketing Order system …
Additional Assistance for Farm Loan Borrowers
There’s more assistance on the way for some farm loan borrowers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced, on May 1, 2023 (see below News Release), that nearly $130 million in additional, automatic financial assistance has been obligated for qualifying farm loan program borrowers who are facing financial …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Preparing for Summer Meetings
Coming later this month, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) will kick off their summer Regional Meetings/Cookouts at various sites across the state. ACA Executive Vice President, Erin Beasley, said the meetings are for their members to get updates from the state office. Beasley said they are looking forward to getting out and talking with producers across the state. For more information about these summer …
Mark Your Calendar: GCC to Host Mid-Year Meeting
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) encourages producers to mark their calendars for its inaugural mid-year meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 26 at the Nesmith-Lane Conference Center in Statesboro, Georgia. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. Register online at https://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ce/conferences/georgia-cotton-commissions-mid-year-meeting/ or call the commission’s office at (478) 988-4235. Taylor Sills, …
Alabama Sign-Up Deadline for Urban Agriculture Initiative is May 15
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama recently extended the deadline to submit applications for the Urban Agriculture Initiative to Monday, May 15. Alabama is offering financial assistance to assist urban growers in areas such as: Soil Health, Erosion Control, Irrigation and Water Conservation, Weeds and Pests, Pollinator Habitat, and High Tunnels. Five Urbanized Areas within the State are a part of …
USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Sign-up for Farmers Transitioning to Organic Production
State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia, Terrance O. Rudolph, has announced a sign-up for the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This Georgia NRCS sign-up follows a recent national announcement detailing the USDA’s multi-agency approach to assist producers beginning or in the process of transitioning to achieve organic certification. Only those producers are eligible to apply for this …
Conservation Easement Program Sign-up for Florida Landowners Continues
Florida landowners interested in aligning their land uses with conservation values are reminded about an opportunity to apply for a conservation easement program. This program is in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida (NRCS-FL) and the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT). Applications will be accepted through June 16, 2023 for the fiscal year 2023 NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP promotes …
NCBA Reiterates Importance of Food Safety, Opposes PRIME Act
Last week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) once again announced opposition to the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption, or PRIME Act. Representatives Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, introduced the bill. The legislation would allow beef processed in a non-U.S. Department of Agriculture inspected facility to be distributed interstate, posing a threat to food safety …
Around the State with Commissioner Pate
In our weekly “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, Commissioner I understand you were in Washington, D.C. last week. What were you there for? Click here to learn more about the Carter Cattle Company and the Environmental Stewardship Award Program. That’s our weekly Around the State with Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner, Rick Pate. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement …
USDA: Meat and Dairy Production Lead Food Sector Sales
New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) shows meat processing and dairy product manufacturing are the largest components of food sector sales. Food and beverage manufacturing plants transform raw food commodities into products for intermediate or final consumption by using labor, machinery, energy, and scientific knowledge. These plants accounted for nearly $267 billion or 16.8 percent of sales, shipment …