Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. And USDA’s National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continues to promote the benefits and importance of soil health. Plus, this year the Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is celebrating its fifth anniversary and the foundational collaborations that developed …
Schumer-Backed Funding to Create Hemp Seed Bank
(NAFB) — Funding supported by New York Senator Chuck Schumer will help Cornell University create the first hemp seed bank in the United States. Schumer says work will soon begin at the nation’s only Industrial Hemp Germplasm Repository located at Cornell University. The program will be rebuilt with an initial $500,000 investment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research …
Study Measures Investment in National Peanut Board
In fiscal year 2019, the National Peanut Board (NPB) commissioned an economic study to measure the return of peanut producers’ investments in the marketing and research funding programs managed by the board. The study, “An Economic Evaluation of the National Peanut Board,” conducted by Harry M. Kaiser of Cornell University, found that each dollar invested in the board’s checkoff program …
Trump Asking Japan to Purchase U.S. Ag Products
(NAFB) — President Trump is asking Japan to purchase U.S. farm products as the two nations seek a small trade deal including agriculture. Trump asked Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to buy a “huge amount” of U.S. wheat and soybeans as the negotiations continue, according to Reuters. Japan and the United States are targeting an agreement by September on trade …
Hopeful for Constructive Trade Talks with China
An American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) official says President Trump’s decision to delay much of his latest tariff threat against China is a hopeful sign constructive trade talks can re-start. AFBF trade adviser Dave Salmonsen hopes the delay to December 15 in Trump’s 10-percent duty on some Chinese electronics, footwear and clothing, will do more than just avert higher holiday …
Glades Sugarcane Farmers Continue Water Quality Success
Recently, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) announced that once again, sugarcane and vegetable farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) surpassed annual phosphorus reduction targets by reducing phosphorus 44 percent – bringing the average annual reduction to 56 percent since the program began in 1996. “Good news on water gets lost in the shuffle, but sugarcane farmers continue …
Opportunities for U.S. Agricultural Exports in Canada
(USDA/FAS) — Canada is the United States’ largest export market for agricultural and agricultural-related products (includes distilled spirits, ethanol, biodiesel, fish, and forest products) with exports valued at $25 billion in 2018, accounting for more than 15 percent of total U.S. agricultural exports to the world. Canada is the only market where U.S. agricultural exports have consistently exceeded $20 billion …
Grassley, Tester Urge USDA to Defend Small Livestock Producers
(NAFB) — A letter from ag-state senators urges the Department of Agriculture to provide protections for livestock and poultry farmers against unfair and deceptive practices by meatpackers. Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and John Tester of Montana, calling themselves the only farmers in the Senate, outlined key to help farmers compete with large corporations. The comments come as USDA begins …
Record Number of Poultry Facilities Recognized for Outstanding Safety Performance
Destin, FL (USPOULTRY) – During the 2019 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry in Destin, Florida, a record 230 chicken and turkey facilities received safety awards by the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs. “We received the …
Perdue Statement on Meeting with Guatemalan Ministers
Washington, D.C. (USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue met with a host of Ministers from Guatemala to discuss implementation of the recently signed agreement between the United States and Guatemala to improve H-2A visa program operations. Following the meeting, Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “America’s farmers and ranchers need a legal and reliable agricultural workforce, and we …