Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its monthly citrus crop forecast for the 2017-2018 season: “This citrus crop forecast is another reminder of the continued struggles of Florida’s iconic citrus industry since Hurricane Irma inflicted unprecedented damage last year. But thanks to the collaborative efforts of the United …
Florida Cattleman Donates Cow to UF Campus Food Pantry
At the University of Florida, 16 percent of those who visited the on-campus Alan and Cathy Hitchcock Field and Fork pantry mentioned the service was their sole source of food when they needed temporary assistance. While students working with the Field and Fork student gardens grow fresh seasonal vegetables for pantry users, the pantry runs low on protein sources. When …
American Farmland Trust Study: U.S. Farmland Shrinking
A report from American Farmland Trust released Wednesday finds that between 1992 and 2012, almost 31 million acres of farmland were lost, equal to all the farmland in Iowa. The “Farms Under Threat: The State of America’s Farmland” report, according to American Farmland Trust, shows the loss of farmland “is serious” and “will accelerate” unless action is taken. The report …
China Steps Up Pork Inspections, Slowing Imports
China is stepping up inspections of pork imports from the United States. Ports are opening and inspecting every cargo that arrives, according to a report by Reuters, compared with inspections carried out only “randomly” in the past. Some trade experts see the move, along with other similar actions by China, as a warning to the United States in response to …
Senators Want Answers on RFS Economic Hardship Waiver to CVR
A group of senators is seeking more information regarding an economic hardship waiver under the Renewable Fuel Standard sent to CVR Energy, owned by Carl Icahn. The group of Democrats, including Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin and Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar, sent letters seeking information to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt and Icahn, the billionaire former adviser to President Trump and Chairman …
Wheat Growers Talk Farm Bill with Lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
Officers of the National Association of Wheat Growers are in Washington, D.C. this week meeting with members of Congress. The wheat growers are stressing the importance of passing a farm bill this year. NAWG President Jimmie Musick of Oklahoma says its “critical” to talk with lawmakers about completing the farm bill reauthorization before the current farm bill expires. Members of …
NCGA 2018 Yield Contest Online Entry Now Open
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is inviting farmers to register early for the organization’s National Corn Yield Contest. As farmers are in the fields planting corn, an early registration offers entry fee savings. The Association says that until June 29, fees will be reduced to $75. Entry will remain open at the full rate of $110 through July 31. …
First-Ever WTO Counter Notification Against India’s Market Price Support Issued by U.S.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the United States submitted a counter notification in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Agriculture (COA) on India’s market price support (MPS) for wheat and rice. Filed on May 4, 2018, this is the first ever COA notification under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture regarding another …
Safety Net Coverage Enrollment Continues
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers with base acres in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety net program may enroll for the 2018 crop year. The enrollment period will end on Aug. 1, 2018. Producers on a farm that are not enrolled for the 2018 enrollment period will not be eligible …
China Trade Discussion Continues Next Week
Trade talks with China will continue next week, according to President Donald Trump. President Trump says he and China’s President Xi Jinping will talk over the phone next week as both sides are willing to work towards a consensus, according to Reuters. A U.S. delegation traveled to China last week with no agreement on a long list of demands. Meanwhile, …