(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks public comments on its interim rule for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP is USDA’s premier conservation easement program, helping landowners protect working agricultural lands and wetlands. The rule – now available on the Federal Register – takes effect on publication and includes changes to the …
Georgia Peanut Farm Show Set for Thursday, Jan. 16
(GPC) — Producers can improve the bottom-line of their farming operation with knowledge, connections and information gained at the 44th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference. The event will be held at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center, Jan. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Peanut farmers and those involved in the peanut industry will …
Senate to Continue Ordinary Business
(NAFB) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell signaled an opportunity to quickly consider the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In a speech on the Senate floor Friday, McConnell says the Senate will “go about ordinary business,” because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is holding the articles of impeachment, thought to delay USMCA consideration in the Senate this month. A hearing is on the …
AFIA: December Spending Bills Improve Feed Ingredient Approval Process
(NAFB) — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) says spending bills passed last month will improve the approval process for animal feed ingredients. The 2020 fiscal year appropriations package allocates new dollars to the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to hire additional staff specifically for reviewing new animal food ingredient submissions. The $5 million allocation from appropriators …
Possible Early Senate Push to Pass USMCA
(NAFB) — An American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) official says there could be an early push to win Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of an impeachment trial. AFBF senior congressional relations director Dave Salmonsen says early Senate USMCA action is possible, given house speaker Nancy Pelosi’s holding back impeachment articles against the president. “If the impeachment trial …
USDA Taking Public Comments on EQIP Interim Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners they are still taking public comments on the interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS Chief, Matt Lohr, discusses some of the changes proposed in the interim final rule for EQIP reauthorized under the 2018 Farm Bill. (audio) USDA’s flagship program helps producers plan and …
Study Shows Farmers are Paying Higher Wages
(NAFB) — Farm Journal recently conducted a study that encompassed all sectors of agriculture. What they found was farmers are paying more in wages than at any point in history. They’re more efficient in using their available labor. However, they’re still frustrated. The survey of more than 2,100 farmers included almost 200 dairy farmers. Of the total producers, 87 percent …
Organic Sales Doubled Over Five Years
(NAFB) — U.S. organic sales doubled between 2012 and 2017, even though the total value of U.S. agricultural sales remained flat. The USDA says growth in the organic sector has taken off since the early 2010s as food manufacturers, retailers, and livestock producers have increased their demand for organic foods and inputs. Organic operations’ average sales were just over $400,600 …
Auxin Herbicide Trainings Scheduled Throughout AL
(ACES) — Many producers plant cotton and soybean varieties that are resistant to dicamba herbicides. Before making these herbicide applications, producers must have state certification and annual training because of a high injury risk. Alabama Cooperative Extension System crop specialists will provide auxin herbicide trainings in 16 locations throughout the state to fulfill Xtendimax, FeXapan and Engenia label requirements. Auxin Herbicide …
As World Celebrates New Year, American Cattlemen Celebrate New Trade Deals
New Deals With Japan, European Union Go Into Effect Today (NCBA) — National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jennifer Houston issued the following statement regarding the new trade deals with Japan and the European Union (EU), which go into effect on New Years Day: “As the clock struck midnight and revelers around the world popped champagne and toasted the new year, …