Shutdown Costly for USDA

The record-long partial government shutdown is likely to cost billions and has already hamstrung the nation’s 2-million or so farming operations. Everyone knows how tough it is to get back to work after a long absence. But if you’re USDA, with a huge backlog of farm program and other applications, implementing a farm bill, paying furloughed workers, and more, it’s daunting. …

Vilsack: Shutdown Impacts Could Last Years

The government shutdown could cause a ripple effect across the federal government for years, according to former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Vilsack recently told Politico that the effects could take years to realize, like the ramifications of pausing some Forest Service efforts to reduce fire hazards. Specifically, Vilsack said, “You may not see the consequences of this until August of …

Meat Inspectors, Price Reporting Staff Still On The Job

In response to erroneous reports in the news and (mostly) on social media, the National Pork Producers Council is reminding pork producers and consumers that federal meat inspectors are working in meat packing plants despite the government shutdown. NPPC – and other livestock groups – a year ago urged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to deem as essential USDA Food Safety …

EU Won’t Include Agriculture In Trade Talks With U.S.

The National Pork Producers Council said it cannot support a trade agreement between the United States and the European Union that does not include agriculture, after the European Commission today issued draft negotiating mandates to EU member states that doesn’t include talks on agriculture. “We are infuriated,” said NPPC President Jim Heimerl, a pork producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “The EU …

Fried Honored to Serve Florida Agriculture

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture makes the following statement to Florida agriculture producers, consumers and families. I’m so honored to serve as your 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services! It’s been an exciting first two weeks as we start working to implement our bold agenda and fresh vision for Florida’s farmers, consumers, and families.  We’re working with our agriculture community to keep our second …

Alabama Legislature Names Ag Committee Members

Legislative leaders have been named to oversee the Senate and House of Representatives agriculture committees during the Alabama Legislature’s 2019-22 quadrennium. Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, will chair the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, while Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, leads the House of Representatives Agriculture and Forestry Committee. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s David Cole said Whatley and Crawford understand …

Louis Dreyfus to Exit Dairy Business

Louis Dreyfus Company this week announced it would exit its small dairy business as part of an overhaul to revive growth at the agriculture commodity company. The dairy unit represents for roughly one percent of the company’s revenue in 2018, and was previously earmarked as a unit to be sold. The company says the exit will have “practically no impact” …