More CFAP Funding Possible After Labor Day

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week hinted at more Coronavirus Food Assistance Program aid for farmers could be on the horizon. Perdue confirmed that the Department of Agriculture is considering “shortly after Labor Day” offering a second wave of CFAP relief during a press call. Funding for the next round of payments would come from the additional $14 billion Congress …

USDA/EPA Announce Next Generation Fertilizer Challenges

On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, a joint EPA-USDA partnership and competition to advance agricultural sustainability in the United States. The competition includes two challenges that seek proposals for new and existing fertilizer technologies to maintain or improve crop yields while reducing the impacts of …

Investigating Farmers to Families Food Box Program

The House Coronavirus Crisis subcommittee seeks data on the Farmers to Families Food Box Program from the Department of Agriculture. Committee Chair, Representative James Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina, made the request in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Clyburn cited concerns of “questionable contracting practices, a lack of accountability, and a failure to deliver food to many …

More Funding for Food Box Program

President Donald Trump announced on Monday an additional $1 billion for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. The Department of Agriculture announced the program earlier this year, along with $3 billion in funding to help farmers and consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the program, USDA purchases food from farmers, then local distributors pack and deliver the boxes to …

Annual Field Day Provides Growers Chance to See Research in Action

The annual University of Georgia (UGA) Cotton and Peanut Field Day is scheduled for Wednesday Sept. 9. While it will be a virtual event this year, the Georgia Cotton Commission and Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) encourage growers to attend and learn about the latest research regarding both row crops. Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman, believes field days are an …

Northey Encourages Producers to Take USDA Survey

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a new annual survey of farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners. The survey will help USDA understand what it is doing well and where improvements are needed, specifically at the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA). Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill …

Beef Sector on the Road to Normalcy

It was a little over three months ago that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was discussing the safe reopening of critical infrastructure meatpacking facilities across the U.S. While it has taken some time, Gary Crawford reports the beef sector is gradually returning to some semblance of normalcy.   Sponsored ContentCattle Producers Proud of Efforts Funded Through the Florida Cattle …

USDA Designates Toombs County, Georgia as a Primary Natural Disaster Area

Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties Also Available United States Department of Agriculture WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2020 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Toombs County, Georgia, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to hail that occurred on April 8, 2020, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency …

House Lawmakers Introduce Helping America’s Farmers Act

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives this week introduced the Helping America’s Farmers Act. The legislation would create a new economic injury disaster loan program at the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. Introduced by Representative Jahana Hayes, a Connecticut Democrat and Antonio Delgado, a New York Democrat, the bill is endorsed by the National Milk Producers Federation and Dairy …

Northey on NRCS Chief Returning to the Farm

It was announced recently that Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Matt Lohr, will be stepping down. USDA Farm Production and Conservation Undersecretary, Bill Northey, told Southeast AgNet that Lohr is headed back to the farm. For more information about NRCS programs that can benefit your operation, contact your local USDA Service Center …