A measure of global food prices decreased in November largely due to a decline in dairy values. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations monthly Food Price Index averaged 175.8 points in November 2017, down 0.5 percent, from October. However, the index is still four points, or 2.3 percent, higher than the same time last year. November saw …
State Farm Bureau Study Estimates Cost of NAFTA Withdraw
A study from the Nebraska Farm Bureau finds withdrawal from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) could cost farms in the state up to $55,000 each, annually. The report identifies the 2016 export value of individual Nebraska agriculture commodities to both Canada and Mexico. Analysis in the report also assigns a dollar value of NAFTA on a unit basis …
AFBF Hails National Monument Reforms
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) calls the reduction in size of two national monuments earlier this week a return of common sense to environmental stewardship. AFBF congressional relations director Ryan Yates says the announcement reduces restricted use of federal lands. Announcement The two designations have historically impacted agriculture in a negative way. Agriculture Moving forward, Yates says any decision …
Supreme Court Asked to Rule on Garden Ban
A Miami Shores couple has asked the Florida Supreme Court to take up a constitutional challenge to an ordinance that bars planting vegetable gardens in the front yards of homes. Hermine Ricketts and Laurence Carroll want the Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a ruling last month by the 3rd District Court of Appeal that upheld the Miami Shores …
Florida NRCS Providing Assistance to Producers Affected by Irma
If you are an agricultural producer in the state of Florida, and suffered damage on your farm or ranch from Hurricane Irma, then you are encouraged to participate in a special signup. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is conducting a sign up until December 28 to provide both financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives …
Irrigation Efficiency Project Coming to Alabama
It was announced a few weeks ago that Alabama will receive funding for a new project through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program. The Irrigation Efficiency Project is a new multi-year project that will provide a PL 566 Watershed plan to address irrigation needs in Alabama watersheds that have high potential of irrigation …
EPA Given More Time to Implement Manure Air Emissions Reporting
A federal court is giving the EPA more time to implement a controversial manure air emissions reporting requirement that has the livestock industry crying ‘foul.’ The National Pork Producers Association backed the EPA in the agency’s request to the US Court of Appeals for DC last month for more time to comply with the court’s air emissions reporting order. NPPC’s …
USDA to Allow States Flexibility for SNAP
The U.S. Ag Department (USDA) sent a letter to state administrators of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) advising them that changes will be coming to the program. The Hagstrom Report says USDA will allow states more flexibility in managing SNAP. Brandon Lipps, the acting undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumers services says the USDA will allow more flexibility in …
USDA Emphasizing Trade Expansion
Ted McKinney, the new USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, has been busy since being sworn in. He’s visited India, Brazil, Colombia, and Panama recently with the goal of increasing trade opportunities. Capital Press Dot Com says the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is putting a new emphasis on generating more trade opportunities overseas for American agriculture. Ag …
Monsanto Asks Judge to Block Arkansas Dicamba Restrictions
Monsanto went before a judge on Tuesday to officially ask the court to prevent a proposal to ban the use of a weed killer that many farmers say drifts and causes damage to their crops. An Associated Press report says the Arkansas ban on dicamba will go before legislators next month. The company is asking a judge to issue an …