Disaster aid for states hit by flooding is more uncertain as Congress nears recess and ag lawmakers seem at odds over what producers need. Politico reports negotiations to pass a disaster relief package have collapsed just as another storm hits the Midwest and Great Plains, prompting blizzard warnings from Colorado to Minnesota. Midwest Senators are pushing for a disaster bill …
Two More Weeks to Comment on Conservation Practice Standards
Landowners interested in making public comments on how to improve conservation practice standards that support programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), are reminded you have until April 25 to do so. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently accepting public input on existing national conservation practice standards as part of implementing the 2018 Farm Bill. Over 150 …
Nematode Control Increases Cotton Yield Potential
For cotton growers battling nematodes, University trials across the South continue to show an increase in yield and profit with an at-plant nematicide application. And according to Bayer Senior Technical Service Representative, Keith Rucker, cotton fields treated with Velum® Total have an advantage. At-plant nematode control increases cotton yield potential Velum® Total nematicide protects root system to boost potential yields University trials across …
NPPC Cancels 2019 World Pork Expo as Precaution
Risk of African Swine Fever Introduction to U.S. Herd Considered Negligible; Decision Made Out of An Abundance of Caution The National Pork Producers Council’s (NPPC) board of directors announced its decision to cancel World Pork Expo 2019 out of an abundance of caution as African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia. World Pork …
Cattlemen Launch Final Push for Public Comment on New Water Rule
With the deadline to file comments to repeal and replace the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule quickly approaching, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) kicked off a social media campaign aimed at encouraging cattle producers to take action. A series of short digital videos featuring NCBA members will be released on Facebook (@BeefUSA ) and Twitter (@BeltwayBeef) until the comment period officially …
New CSP Signup Period Underway
The next signup deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for 2019 funding is May 10. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest up to $700 million for new enrollments and contract extensions in fiscal year 2019. The 2018 farm bill made several changes to this critical conservation program, which includes high …
Livestock Market Owners Visit Capitol Hill
D.C. policy leaders learned about issues affecting the livestock marketing industry and participated in a mock auction during Livestock Marketing Association’s (LMA) Washington D.C. Fly In. World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, Jared Miller, auctioned pies during Hill staff briefings for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Legislative staff gained a better understanding of how the auction method of selling drives …
USDA to Release Census of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will release the 2017 Census of Agriculture results on Thursday, April 11, at noon ET. The full Census report will include millions of data points, including number of farms, land in farms, total value of production, demographics, and more at the national, state, and county levels. The report, along with …
NAP Buy-Up Coverage Now Availability
Changes apply Beginning April 8, 2019 USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety net program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee waivers for qualified military veterans …
Study Sheds Light on Major Disease in Roses
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Beltsville, Maryland and their colleagues have discovered why a mite is causing extensive damages to the nation’s $250-million-a-year rose industry and why it’s so hard to detect and control. It seems the mite hides deep in the flower’s internal organs. The rose bud mite (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus) is about half the size of a grain of …