Investments will Benefit 133,000 Residents in Rural Communities WASHINGTON, (USDA) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe announced that USDA is investing $135 million in 49 projects to improve rural water infrastructure in 24 states (PDF, 170 KB). “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to partner with rural communities to …
Deadline for Feral Swine Eradication Signup Nearing
Here is a quick reminder there are only a few days left until the deadline to sign up for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. The program, implemented jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS), will consist of three coordinated components: feral swine removal …
Strong Finish to First Half for U.S. Pork, Beef Exports
(NAFB) — U.S. pork and beef exports were above year-ago levels in both volume and value in June, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Led by a rebound in Mexico and China, pork export value was the highest in 14 months. June pork exports posted double-digit gains in both volume and value, reaching 212,800 metric tons, valued at $569.2 …
Poultry Outlook is Bullish
(NAFB) — Despite a recent increase in the cost of feed and softness in the price of breast meat, chicken producers are expected to prosper over the rest of 2019. An industry analyst who spoke with the website Meating Place Dot Com, said turkey prospects are progressing, albeit at a slower pace. Poultry supplies are remaining manageable in 2019, with …
Agriculture and Forestry in a Changing Climate: What the Future Holds for Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (UF/IFAS) — A forum that will highlight climate challenges to Florida’s farms, ranches, and forests and steps that the state’s producers are taking in response is set for Monday, Aug. 12, at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville. Agriculture and Forestry in a Changing Climate: What the Future Holds for Florida is also expected to …
Maximizing Conservation Plantings with Grazing Management
While conservation plantings protect various resource concerns, the success of these plantings is dependent on making the right management decisions. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Plant Materials Program wants landowners to know they provide technical assistance on forage management to assist with proper grazing recommendations while addressing other conservation concerns. The James E. “Bud” Smith Plant Materials Center, Knox City, Texas recently …
July Ag Economy Barometer Increases
(NAFB) — The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reading jumped to 153 in July, up 27 points from June, and up 52 points from May. However, it’s safe to expect a decline in the August report. While the Market Facilitation Program payments are a positive to farmers, this week’s announcement that China will stop all purchases of U.S. ag …
Disaster Aid Coming to Farmers Soon
(NAFB) — Farmers can expect disaster aid sometime this month. Two weeks ago Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the $3 billion in disaster funds for agriculture should launch sometime in August. The disaster package will include funds for farmers impacted by hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and flooding since last year. Politico reports that since 2018, roughly $33 billion in disaster funding …
Judge to Hear Arguments in ‘Water War’
Going along with a request from Florida’s attorneys, a federal judge will hear arguments in December in a long-running water war between Florida and Georgia. 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, has scheduled oral arguments Dec. 16, according to …
‘Sweet Grown Alabama’ Statewide Agricultural Branding Program Launches
Shoppers looking to buy local and support Alabama farmers will soon have a new way to identify locally grown products with the Sweet Grown Alabama logo. “As I travel across the state, most of the questions I receive from consumers are about their food and where it comes from,” said Commissioner Rick Pate of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and …