U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded President Donald J. Trump’s selection of James Hubbard to be the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. Following the announcement, Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “I am very excited by the selection of Jim Hubbard for this leadership role at USDA. Congress passed and President Trump …
NRCS Earth Team Volunteer Services Valued Over $7.8 Million
This week, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service hails Earth Team Volunteer efforts throughout the nation during National Volunteer Week. Our theme, “Volunteers Improve Today for Tomorrow,” uses April 15-21, 2018, to show gratitude to Earth Team volunteers for their superb service to conservation. The Earth Team is the agency’s volunteer workforce. This past fiscal year, more than 34,309 people donated …
Biodiesel Stakeholders Unite Over RFS Concerns
The National Biodiesel Board joined the American Soybean Association and the National Renderers Association in urging President Trump to keep his promises to rural voters. Kurt Kovarik, NBB vice president of federal affairs, says recent actions by the Environmental Protection Agency have undermined the president’s commitment to support consumer access to domestic renewable fuels, as well keeping the Renewable Fuels …
Exxon, Chevron Ask EPA for Biofuel Blending Exemptions
Energy giants Chevron and Exxon have asked the Environmental Protection Agency for waivers from the nation’s biofuels program that have typically been reserved for small refiners in financial trouble. A Reuters report says that will only add fuel to the fire in the debate between the oil and ethanol industries over how the Trump Administration should handle the RFS. An …
Rabobank: Domestic Dairy Demand to Climb in 2018
Domestic demand for dairy products like natural cheese and butter, along with premium dairy products, should rise in the second half of 2018. That prediction comes from Rabobank in its Dairy Quarterly 1 Report. “The stronger economic growth is projected to come mostly from the recent tax policy change, which translates to stronger dairy demand through increased food service and …
Asian Nations Cautious About the U.S. Back in TPP
Japan, Australia, and New Zealand were cautious in their reaction to the news that U.S. President Trump might reopen talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). It’s the same deal he pulled America out of as soon as he took office. An Associated Press report says Japanese officials welcome the move if it means Trump is recognizing the importance of the …
House Members from Across the Country Praise 2018 Farm Bill
The House Agriculture Committee introduced the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2). The bill helps address the economic challenges facing farmers and ranchers, while making historic investments in opportunities for SNAP recipients. Across the country, members continue offering their praise and support for the 2018 Farm Bill. Several of these members’ comments are included below: “Introduction of the …
Argentina Market Now Open To U.S. Pork
With strong support and input from the National Pork Producers Council, the United States and Argentina this week finalized an export certificate that allows the U.S. pork industry to ship product to the South American country. “Argentina has tremendous potential for U.S. pork exports,” said NPPC President Jim Heimerl, a pork producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “This is great news for …
Avocado Museum Educates and Fascinates
While planning your vacation this summer, plan a trip to California. Cathy Isom tells us a bit about a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate and also educate yourself about a popular green fruit. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Avocado Museum Educates and Fascinates A museum dedicated to the Avocado is popping up in San Diego, California this summer. …
Scientist Say U.S. Climate Boundary Shifting East
Scientist say a climate boundary separating the east and west United States discovered more than 100 years ago has shifted 140 miles east. In a report published by Columbia University, scientist say global warming has pushed the boundary east, and could have significant implications on farming in the region. Scientist say that due to global-scale wind patterns, to the west …