While some in agriculture question the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Bill, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he respectfully disagrees with those who say that it will cause the loss of family farms. AFBF President Zippy Duval told farm reporters last week that the bill’s costs outweighed increases for farm programs. But Vilsack said the bill actually has provisions that …
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on House Passage of President Biden’s Build Back Better Act
(WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2021) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement following House Passage of President Biden’s Build Back Better bill. The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. “Now more than ever Americans need this important piece of legislation to build up the middle-class and American competitiveness, to ensure the people of rural communities have a …
Pandemic Assistance Heading to Poultry, Livestock Contract Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Thursday they are starting to issue some $270 million in payments to contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry who applied for Pandemic Assistance. Earlier this year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) identified gaps in assistance including in the initial proposal to assist contract growers. “We listened to feedback from producers and stakeholders about impacts …
Almost Half of U.S. States Lost Rural Population in 2010-2020
From 2010-2020, the USDA’s Economic Research Service says 24 states lost population in nonmetropolitan or rural areas. Sixteen of those states lost population overall or showed slow population growth of less than five percent. Data from the 2020 U.S. Census shows the U.S. population grew by 7.4 percent from 2010-2020, slower than the 9.7 percent growth from the previous decade. …
Robert Bonnie Confirmed as Under Secretary of Agriculture for FPAC
Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Robert Bonnie as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As Under Secretary, Bonnie will oversee the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency and FPAC Business Center. He will also manage the USDA’s Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Program. And various folks …
CSP Virtual Workshop is Thursday in Florida
Agricultural producers and forest landowners in Florida are urged to take part in a virtual workshop this week concerning the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida recently announced they are accepting applications for CSP, and will conduct a virtual workshop and overview of the program this Thursday, November 18th. There will be two opportunities to take …
USDA-NRCS Providing 2022 Assistance Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing fiscal year 2022 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs. These programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and more. Through these conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land …
GCC Encouraged by Ongoing Harvest Results
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) is encouraged by the early returns from this year’s harvest season. Taylor Sills, GCC executive director, says the crop looks positive considering all the rain accumulated during the production season. “I would say for as much rain as we had, I would say everything’s probably going okay. We’ve had a lot of …
USDA-NRCS Providing Technical and Financial Assistance
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invites agricultural producers and private landowners to learn more about the various programs they offer. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby says through many of the programs they offer both technical and financial assistance. And NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round. To learn more, contact your local USDA Service Center, or go to the NRCS website. Sponsored …
USDA-NRCS Signup Deadline in Alabama is Friday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind eligible landowners and agricultural producers their first program batching deadline for Fiscal Year 2022 Conservation Easements and Financial Assistance Programs is Friday, November 12, 2021. Applicable programs include the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality …