The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, today opened online applications for its 2019 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Entrepreneurs will compete for $145,000 in startup funds. The competition provides an opportunity for individuals to showcase ideas and business innovations in agriculture. This is the fifth year of the Challenge, which is the first national business competition focused exclusively …
Conservation Innovation Grant Projects
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced they will invest more than $10.6 million for 22 new projects that will drive public and private sector innovation in conserving natural resources in 27 states. The competitive Conservation Innovation Grants program helps spur development and adoption of new conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Innovation Grant Projects Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember …
Congressman Yoho on Funding for FMD
For over two years now, livestock groups have been calling for a stockpile of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines in case of an outbreak. Both the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) have made it a top priority for the next Farm Bill. During a recent interview, U.S. Congressman and member of the House …
Poultry Facilities Recognized for Safety Performance
Source: National Chicken Council Continuous Improvement Evident During the 2018 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry in Destin, Fla., 191 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. “Our industry …
U.S., Mexico, Close to Reaching NAFTA Deal
The U.S. and Mexico are “very, very close” to reaching a deal to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). A White House economic adviser said this week the negotiation teams were going through the perceived final details. The U.S. is hopeful a deal with Mexico can be a model for what Canada could accept. Canada remains on the …
Farm Export Prices Post Large Declines
U.S. agriculture export prices fell 5.3 percent last month. Data released by the U.S. Department of Labor shows the decline is the largest drop in farm exports since 2011. The decline in July followed a one percent decrease in June, which followed a 1.6 percent increase in May. The department says a 14.1 percent drop in soybean prices was the …
USDA Partners to Improve Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in 23 States
The Department of Agriculture announced a $124 million investment Tuesday to help rebuild and improve rural water infrastructure in 23 states. Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett made the announcement in Louisiana, which is receiving funding for five projects. USDA is providing the funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. It can be …
Florida Orange Crop Bouncing Back Post-Hurricane
Florida orange growers appear to be catching a break this year, following last year’s devastating hurricane season and declines due to citrus greening. The state may harvest 70 million boxes of oranges this year, compared to just 44.9 million last year, which was the smallest crop since 1945. Highlands County Citrus Growers Association executive director Ray Royce told Bloomberg “a …
APHIS Finalizes Conditions for Paying Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Indemnity
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is issuing a final rule outlining the conditions under which USDA will pay indemnity to farms affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). It includes updates to USDA’s February 2016 interim rule. This final rule does three things: Allows indemnity payments to be split between poultry and egg …
USDA Purchases Milk for Needy Americans
The National Milk Producers Federation welcomed the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it will purchase $50 million worth of fluid milk for distribution to domestic food assistance programs – the first time the agency has bought milk for use in this manner. The USDA said Tuesday that it will authorize the expenditure of $50 million in Section …