Pork Exports Down First Half of 2022 but Show Signs of Improvement

Dan Exports/Imports, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), Pork

U.S. pork exports for the first half of the year were down by 19% in volume and 18% in value over the same period of 2021, according to recently released data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. From January through June, the U.S. pork industry shipped to foreign destinations almost 1.1 million metric tons (MT) of product valued at $3 …

USDA: Beef Producers Face Higher Inputs

Dan Beef, USDA-ERS

U.S. beef producers face higher input costs this year, predicted up seven percent compared to 2021. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) reported Monday the farmer’s share of the retail value of beef also increased year over year, but rising input costs, especially for cattle feed, may limit farmers’ ability to benefit from higher cattle prices. Feed expenses are the largest …

GCC: EPA Tour Important for Cotton Industry

Clint Thompson Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC)

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) is excited to see the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tour South Georgia this week to learn about pest and weed management in Georgia cotton. Taylor Sills, executive director of the GCC, discussed the importance of EPA members visiting with South Georgia producers on Aug. 15-17. “The goal of the program is the …

Georgia Beef Board Pleased with Summer Grilling Promotion

Dan Beef, Cattle, Georgia, Georgia Beef Board (GBB)

The Georgia Beef Board (GBB), along with other Southeastern states, have been conducting a summer grilling campaign since early June. GBB Director of Public Relations, Taylor Evans, says the campaign is going really well. For more information about Beef Checkoff promotions in Georgia, contact the GBB office in Macon at 478-474-1815. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, …

Back to School Includes Florida Beef Recipes

Dan Beef, Cattle, Florida, Florida Beef Council (FBC)

With many school systems across Florida kicking off the 2022-2023 school year, parents across the state are trying to make sure the students in their household are ready nutritionally. And the Florida Beef Council (FBC) has many great ideas to help. FBC Director of Education & Promotion, DeAnne Maples, says they have a variety of recipes that can fit those needs. For more …

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Holding Board Meetings

Dan Alabama, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA), Cattle

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) board members meet quarterly to discuss issues on both the policy and checkoff sides. And according to ACA Executive Vice President, Erin Beasley, the Beef Checkoff program was discussed last week while a policy meeting will be held this week. To learn more about ACA events, contact their office in Montgomery at 334-265-1867. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins …

USDA to Invest $5 Million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program

Dan USDA-NRCS, Water

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is investing up to $5 million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). This grant program supports the development of mitigation banks for use by agricultural producers seeking to maintain eligibility for USDA programs. Funds are available to Tribes, state and local government entities, nonprofits and other organizations. “Our goal is to …

Technology to Prevent Pest Invasions

Dan Pest/Pest Control, Technology, This Land of Ours, USDA-APHIS

Using technology to prevent pest invasions. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. This week we’re focusing on technology in agriculture. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) uses the sterile insect technique to prevent invasions of damaging exotic fruit fly pests, which are among the most destructive pests of fruits …

NMPF on Inflation Reduction Act

Dan Dairy, Economy, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) recently commended the inclusion of $20 billion in new funding for USDA conservation programs in the Inflation Reduction Act. They note the funding will help dairy farmers advance their proactive sustainability leadership by enhancing farm bill conservation programs with an emphasis on key dairy areas of opportunity, including feed management. NMPF Senior Vice President of Membership …

NCBA Supports the Beef Checkoff Program

Dan Cattle, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)

Back at the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court denied R-CALF’s lawsuit against 13 state beef councils and the Beef Checkoff. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) intervened during the early days of that lawsuit to help defend state beef councils. Multiple court decisions rejected the allegations and reaffirmed the work and direction of the Beef Checkoff and those who guide it. During last …