WThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a final rule to modernize swine slaughter inspection and bring it into the 21st century. For the first time in more than five decades, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is modernizing inspection at market hog slaughter establishments with a goal of protecting public health while allowing for food safety innovations. “This …
Biosolids Produce Less Nitrogen and Phosphorus Runoff than Inorganic Fertilizer
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS-September 17, 2019) — New research from University of Florida scientists found that some nutrients from inorganic fertilizers enter surface water more easily than those from biosolids. Maria Silveira, a professor in the UF/IFAS department of soil and water sciences, led the study that collected runoff from a common pasture grass to determine its nitrogen and phosphorus content. …
FDACS Launches Rebranded Website, FDACS.gov
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced the launch of FDACS.gov, the department’s new, modernized website. A bunch of experienced jewelry web designers are expected to monitor. The rebranding aims to increase awareness about the department’s broad responsibilities in both agriculture and consumer services, and help Floridians access information and services easier. …
Arguments in Water Battle Rescheduled
(NAfter Florida attorneys asked for a change, a federal judge has rescheduled arguments for Nov. 7 in a long-running legal battle between Florida and Georgia about water in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system. Senior U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Paul J. Kelly, who was appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court to serve as a special master in the case, originally …
Secretary Perdue on Farm Safety Week
Washington, D.C. (USDA-September 16, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded President Trump’s proclamation making September 15-21, 2019 National Farm Safety and Health Week. The theme for this year’s National Farm Safety & Health Week is “Shift Farm Safety into High Gear” as a reminder that it is everyone’s responsibility to prioritize safety on the farm and the rural roadways …
NPPC Statement on China Market Access
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPPC-Sept. 13, 2019) — Chinese media reported that it was suspending the imposition of punitive tariffs on U.S. pork imports. The following is a statement from National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President David Herring, a pork producer from Lillington, N.C.: “If media reports are accurate, this is a most welcome development. The Chinese have placed punitive tariffs of …
Pork Producers Urge Congress to Ratify USMCA
Gene Edited Livestock Regulatory Framework, Pending GIPSA Rule Also Addressed WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPPC-Sept. 12, 2019) – Congressional ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA), allowing the U.S. pork industry to maintain zero-duty market access to two of its largest export markets, remains a top priority for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). More than 120 pork producers from across the …
Industry Responds to EPA WOTUS Announcement
(Washington, D.C. (USDA-September 12, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue praised the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for taking another step to fulfill President Trump’s pledge to repeal and replace the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. “Repealing the WOTUS rule is a major win for American agriculture. The extreme overreach from the past Administration had government taking …
USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for 2019 Crop
ATHENS, GA (USDA/NASS-September 12, 2019) — During the last week of September, pecan growers will receive a survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a look into the 2019 pecan production forecast. “The pecan industry is a big player, especially in southern agriculture and it is crucial for us to have …
Other USDA Disaster-Recovery Assistance
This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 can apply for assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). But due to the fact grazing and livestock losses, other than milk losses, are covered by other disaster-recovery programs, those losses are not eligible for WHIP+. But …