Organic Groups Want Livestock Standards in Place

The USDA recently announced it would be withdrawing a series of organic livestock standards that were put into place during the Obama administration. Organic groups across the country are not happy with the move. John Siemon, CEO of the Wisconsin-based Organic Valley Cooperative, says one of the most important things the standards addressed was animal welfare. The battle over the …

National Pork Board Invests in International Marketing-Part II

The National Pork Board has relaunched its focus on international marketing by renaming and restructuring its trade committee. Pork Checkoff vice president of international marketing Craig Morris says the committee is now known as the International Marketing Committee. Committee The International Marketing Committee is being streamlined to better engage with strategic partners. Streamlined The National Pork Board has increased its …

USDA Principles a Great Start for Farm Bill

With the release of USDA’s farm bill principles, agriculture has a path forward regarding what to expect in the next farm bill. While USDA cannot write policy, AFBF public policy executive director Dale Moore says that the action by the Secretary Sonny Perdue sets the tone moving forward. Tone Moore says the principles outlined by Secretary Perdue mirror the farm …

USDA Names 2018 Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program Winners

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the selection of 30 university students who will attend USDA’s 2018 Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), as winners of the USDA Student Diversity Program. These undergraduate and graduate students will receive a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., capped off by their attendance at the AOF, the USDA’s largest annual meeting, held Feb. 22-23 …

New ARS Food and Nutrition Research Briefs Issued

The invention of a new small plastic pouch that releases chlorine dioxide gas to eliminate E. coli and other pathogens from the surfaces of fruits and vegetables is among the new nutrition and health findings in the latest issue of the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) Food and Nutrition Research Briefs. The latest issue can be found at https://www.ars.usda.gov/oc/fnrb/2018/fnrb0118/ The popular online newsletter reports discoveries …

Deadline Extended for Forestry Initiative in West Alabama

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama has announced that the signup deadline for West Alabama Landowners interested in the Forestry Initiative has been extended. Landowners in 11 counties are encouraged to apply for Conservation Activity Plans (CAPs) and practices through the forestry initiative by February 5, 2018. Deadline Extended for Forestry Initiative in West Alabama Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship …

Putnam Highlights Increased Wildfire Risk During Prescribed Fire Awareness Week

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service urge caution due to increased wildfire danger this spring and encourage support for prescribed fire during Florida’s Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, which is from Jan. 28 through Feb. 4. Prescribed fire is a vital tool used to reduce wildfire risk in Florida. “Following one of the most active …