A University of Florida professor has received a top award from the Soil Science Society of America for helping to develop and apply practices that increase crops, income and help the environment. The L.R. Ahuja Ag Systems Modeling Award goes to a soil scientist, agronomist or crop scientist in recognition of distinguished contributions and their demonstrated impact in the past …
Global Food Prices Reported Lower
Global food prices dropped in October, led by lower dairy products. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s monthly Food Price Index averaged 176.4 points for the month of October, down 1.3 percent from September, while still up 2.5 percent from a year earlier. The Index is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of …
John Deere to Supply Tractors in Cuba
In an agreement signed last week, John Deere is expected to be the first direct sale of U.S. machinery to Cuba in more than half a century. An agreement signed at the Havana Fair last week between John Deere executives and Cuba calls for the shipment of “several hundred tractors and associated implements” over a four-year period. Farm Equipment Magazine …
Northey Comments on Nomination Delay
Department of Agriculture nominee Bill Northey says he expects the hold on his nomination will be resolved, but in the meantime, is fulfilling his duties in Iowa. During a speech last week in Iowa, Northey said he’s not bothered by his current situation, adding that “until that political skirmish is settled, my days are, for the most part, consumed with …
TPP Deal Expected This Week
The remaining 11 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries plan to remove the Gross Domestic Product requirements to allow the deal to move forward without the United States this week. The Japan News reports that with the United States abandoning the accord, negotiators appear hopeful that changing the conditions will allow the remaining 11 nations to quickly implement a new pact. A …
USDA to Re-engage Stakeholders on Revisions to Biotechnology Regulations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it is withdrawing a proposed rule to revise the Agency’s biotechnology regulations and will re-engage with stakeholders to determine the most effective, science-based approach for regulating the products of modern biotechnology while protecting plant health. “It’s critical that our regulatory requirements foster public confidence and empower …
ASTA Supports USDA Action
Calls for Clarity on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it was withdrawing its proposed rule to revise and update the agency’s biotechnology regulations for the purpose of soliciting additional stakeholder input. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is encouraged that USDA is taking steps to consider …
Enrollment Underway for ARC, PLC
Farmers and ranchers with base acres in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety net program are being reminded enrollment for the 2018 crop year is underway. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024
NRCS Programs and Natural Disaster Recovery Efforts
With the recent storms hitting the Southeast, from Hurricane Irma to Hurricane Nate, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to make sure landowners are familiar with programs they offer for recovery assistance. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024
Senate Tax Writer Expects Full Repeal of Estate Tax in Senate GOP Version
A leading Senate tax writer expects full repeal of the estate tax in the Senate GOP version of tax reform legislation after House tax authors took a different path. Senior Senate Finance member and former chairman Chuck Grassley expect committee Republicans to opt for full repeal of the estate tax, versus just an increase in the exclusion. The House GOP …