The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of Meryl Harrell as Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and the appointment of Terry Cosby as Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Meryl Harrell most recently served as the Executive Director of the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards. She has also served as a consultant, advising non-profits, …
USDA Announces Plan for Black Farmer Payments
The USDA says it plans to make debt relief available to Black farmers. The announcement came one day before Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack participated in a roundtable discussion with Black farmers in Georgia. A spokesman says Vilsack will be traveling to other states to discuss the plan in the weeks ahead. Late last week, the Farm Service Agency published the …
Agriculture Facing More Transportation Issues with Trucking Challenges
Agricultural producers are facing more transportation issues as it relates to trucking challenges. The cost of shipping has been steadily increasing over the past year. Additionally, there are reports of overall trucking shortages compounding the issue. Ag exporters have had a tough time dealing with overall transportation issues in recent months. Congestion at U.S. ports and the limited availability of …
Livestock Organizations Discuss Challenges in Cattle Markets
On Monday, May 10, 2021, member leaders of American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Farmers Union, R-CALF USA, and the United States Cattlemen’s Association met in Phoenix, Arizona. These groups convened at the request of Livestock Marketing Association to discuss challenges involved in the marketing of finished cattle with the ultimate goal of bringing about a more …
GCC Encourages Safety, Awareness on Roads
Cotton planting is in full swing across Georgia. The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) reminds drivers on the roads to proceed with caution as producers transport equipment from one field to another, says executive director Taylor Sills. “As everyone knows, this is planting time here in Georgia. We’re getting kind of close to the end of our planting window for cotton …
Bronaugh Confirmation Receives High Praise from Ag Industry
The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh as the new Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. The Bronaugh confirmation is receiving significant support from the agricultural industry. There is optimism that her previous experience will provide even greater expertise to the leadership within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Bronaugh has served in a variety of capacities within the …
New Initiative Promotes Voluntary, Nationwide Conservation
The Biden-Harris administration announced their vision this week of how the U.S. can work together to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation. It’s been titled “America the Beautiful” and the report outlines a locally led and voluntary nationwide conservation goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Here’s Agriculture Secretary …
Biden-Harris Administration Outlines “America the Beautiful” Initiative
Initial report details vision for 10-year, locally led and voluntary nationwide effort to restore and conserve America’s lands, waters, and wildlife WASHINGTON, May 6, 2021 – The Biden-Harris administration outlined a vision for how the United States can work collaboratively to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation. The recommendations are contained in a report …
USDA Announces Listening Session on Impacts
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a virtual listening session for beginning farmers and ranchers to learn how COVID-19 impacted their farming operations and to get their feedback on USDA assistance. The listening session will take place on May 6, 2021, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Eastern time. “We invite beginning farmers and ranchers to …
Innovative Approaches to High Tunnel Systems in Florida
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will invest $300,000 for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for high tunnel systems that improve weather resiliency and improve degraded plant conditions. Grants from $5,000 to $75,000 will be awarded to applicants matching those funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-federal sources that can include cash or in-kind contributions. U.S.-based non-federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply …