Nitrogen is the main nutrient added to cereal crops like corn, which makes them grow faster and stronger. But too much of a good thing could sometimes have negative outcomes. Too much nitrogen can run off with rainwater or leach through to soil and contaminate groundwater. Now, a simple, rapid and reliable test can determine the nitrogen amount in soil. …
USDA Partners to Improve Rural Water Infrastructure
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $267 million in 103 infrastructure projects (PDF, 298 KB) to upgrade water and wastewater systems in rural communities. “Robust, modern infrastructure is foundational for quality of life and economic opportunity – no matter what zip code you live in,” Hazlett said. “Under Secretary …
WHIP Signup Officially Open
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that agricultural producers affected by hurricanes and wildfires in 2017 now may apply for assistance to help recover and rebuild their farming operations. Signup begins July 16, 2018, and continues through November 16, 2018. “Hurricanes and wildfires caused billions of dollars in losses to America’s farmers last year. Our objective is to get relief funds …
Pre-Conference Committee Farm Bill Discussions Get Heated in House
The U.S. House could take a step forward on moving farm bill talks ahead by voting to send the bill to conference. However, Politico says Thursday was the latest indicator that the bad blood between House Ag leaders is one of the many issues that need to be fixed. House Ag Chair Mike Conaway and Ranking Member Collin Peterson met …
Chinese Trade Surplus with U.S. Hits High Amid Tariff Concerns
The Chinese trade surplus with the United States hit a record number in June as its exports grew at a solid pace, something that could possibly make a trade dispute with Washington, D.C., that much worse. A Nasdaq.com article points out that it could be a “one-off” as Chinese exporters were rushing to get shipments out before tariffs went into …
McKinney to Lead Trade Mission to Southeast Asia
USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney will lead a trade mission to Southeast Asia July 16-19. He’ll be joined by U.S. business and state government leaders who are seeking to expand agricultural opportunities in Southeast Asia. The trade mission will be based in Jakarta, Indonesia, but will also include delegations of buyers from Malaysia and …
NCBA Comments on “Fake Meat” Oversight
Danielle Beck, director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) advocated for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to oversee lab-grown fake-meat products. She spoke during a meeting hosted by the Food and Drug Administration. The goal of the meeting was to give interested parties and the public a chance to comment on the technology and regulations …
Arizona FB President Wants Congress to Save Ranches and Federal Lands
Arizona Farm Bureau President Stephanie Smallhouse asked Congress to streamline regulations to preserve ranching, as well as the land itself. The fifth-generation rancher appeared before the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. Smallhouse told the members that America’s vast government-owned grazing lands would be much worse off if there weren’t private caretakers who work to maintain those federal and state lands. Those …
Sommet De L’Elevage Livestock Show Coming Up in October
A 27th Edition that is Looking Extremely Promising With 1,500 exhibitors from 32 countries occupying 180,000 m² of show space, 2,000 animals and 95,000 visitors from the farming industry, the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE is now recognised as a reference among the world’s largest livestock shows. Judging and animal presentations, technical innovations, business meetings, farmer events and conferences covering the hot …
U.S. House Holds Next Move on Farm Bill
Senator Pat Roberts points out that the U.S. House has the next move on the farm bill. The Senate Agriculture Committee chairman told a group of veteran farmers this week that the farm bill conference should begin “soon,” according to the Hagstrom Report. However, Roberts says the House must make the next move by rejecting the Senate version of the …