The government shutdown and its aftermath is likely to continue taking a toll on agriculture, including efforts to write a new farm bill. The loss of trust is an obvious casualty of the government shutdown, and will be in its aftermath, as lawmakers struggle to craft a long-term budget solution, along with a “fix” for illegal child immigration, passing disaster …
Farmers Union Releases Priorities for Farm Bill
Urges Increased Funding for Farm Safety Net Given the persistent and ongoing economic challenges in farming and rural economies, National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on Congress to increase funding for farm programs in the farm bill and pass the legislation as soon as possible. The NFU Board of Directors recently passed a resolution to this effect, outlining requirements for a farm …
USDA-APHIS to Review Research for Determination of Non-Regulated Status for Ultra-Low Gossypol Cottonseed
Ultra-Low Gossypol Cottonseed Part of Cotton Incorporated Research Activities Cotton Incorporated-funded research into the suppression of gossypol in cottonseed is being reviewed by USDA-APHIS for a determination of non-regulated status for a specific type of ultra-low gossypol cottonseed (ULGCS) referred to as TAM66274. Cotton Incorporated has funded research at Texas A&M AgriLife Research of College Station on this technology because …
Root Biologist Joins UF Fight Against Citrus Greening
An inventive fruit tree researcher has joined the University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center. Lorenzo Rossi is the center’s first-ever root biology professor and will support the university’s statewide Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ commitment to restore Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry. “Healthy roots are essential for a healthy plant. Dr. Rossi’s root biology research will …
Cotton Market Rally Not Related to Fundamentals
Dr. Jody Campiche vice-president of economics and policy analysis for the National Cotton Council, says the recent price rally is not really related to longer term fundamentals. Market Overseas issues are also affecting prices. Prices Are prices likely to remain high for a while? Trend As for planted acreage this season. Acreage That’s Jody Campiche of the National Cotton …
Pork Checkoff Invests in International Markets
This past year was a very successful year for pork exports. National Pork Board President Terry O’Neel says the Pork Checkoff has made a significant investment in building international markets. Markets O’Neel, who raises hogs at Friend, Nebraska, says the National Pork Board ended this past year in strong financial shape. Many pork producers also enjoyed positive margins. Margins For …
Farm Bureau Statement on WOTUS Jurisdiction Decision
The following may be attributed to Ellen Steen, General Counsel of the American Farm Bureau Federation: “The U.S. Supreme Court ruled correctly that federal district courts—not federal courts of appeals—have jurisdiction to review the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. This Supreme Court decision brings greater clarity to an important issue that has bogged down the litigation over this …
The Importance of Proper Wheat Staging
During a recent Wheat U event in Spokane, Washington hosted by High Plains Journal and BASF, Jim Vandecovering with BASF talked with wheat growers about the importance of proper wheat staging and whether it really matters for overall plant health and profitability. Yield He says another important part of the wheat plant factory is the assembly line. Wheat Farming with …
Congressman Calls Tax Reform Positive for Farmers
Congressman Rodney Davis said he had Illinois farmers in mind when voting on Tax Reform Legislation. The Republican says the recent changes are a positive for farmers and will help lessen their financial risk. Tax When asked about the status of the 2018 Farm Bill, Congressman Davis said he expects Farm Bill debates to begin in early February. Farm Bill …
U.S. Cotton Industry Contributions to Cotton USA Play Critical Role in Developing Export Markets
Ten U.S. cotton organizations have pledged industry contributions in 2018 to support the demand-building activities of Cotton Council International (CCI), the National Cotton Council (NCC) export promotion arm, headquartered in Washington, D.C. “Our growers believe that contributing to CCI is an investment in the future of our industry and ultimately is essential to our success,” Plains Cotton Growers Executive Vice …