Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has joined the board of directors of Feeding America, the nation’s largest anti-hunger organization. Feeding America represents 200 food banks across all 50 states in the country and provides food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs. Vilsack became president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council in …
Rural Unemployment Rates Declining
Unemployment rates in rural areas of the nation have been steadily declining since 2010. This trend has been reported by Farm Journal’s AgWeb, noting that both rural and urban unemployment rates have approached pre-recession levels. As of 2016, the overall unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in rural areas and 5.2 percent in urban areas. Before this decline, unemployment rates in …
Opposition Rising Against Perdue Rural Development Pick
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s move to name Anne Hazlett as his assistant on rural development is drawing criticisms. Perdue announced Hazlett as his assistant on rural development this week, replacing the former undersecretary role for rural development. Hazlett has been the chief Republican counsel on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Hazlett will oversee the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Business Service, …
Mexico Shopping for Non-U.S. Pork
Concerns over the U.S.-led effort to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement has prompted Mexico to consider other options for pork imports. National Hog Farmer magazine reports U.S. pork industry leaders shared that message at last week’s World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa. For instance, if the U.S. would abandon NAFTA, Mexico would be poised to place a …
China, U.S., Expected to Sign Dairy Agreement
The United States and China are expected to sign an agreement Thursday to promote U.S. dairy products. Politico reports the two countries are expected to sign a memorandum that will allow further market access for U.S. dairy producers. U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO Tom Vilsack said last week that he has been working for months to reach an agreement between …
Hurricane Season Begins
Federal Program Protects Public Safety While forecasters are predicting an active hurricane season this year, workers are finishing repairs from Hurricane Matthew. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, (NRCS) has provided $1,487,887 for Putnam, Volusia, and Seminole counties to remove debris in canals, ditches, and streams to prevent flooding homes, businesses, roads, and utilities. Another $769,523 will fund stabilizing streambanks in …
Duvall Praises Selection of Hazlett for Rural Development
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Anne Hazlett brings a depth of experience on rural development issues that should benefit American farmers and ranchers and strengthen the rural communities they call home. Her background in rural issues in Indiana and her background in agricultural policy make her an ideal candidate to lead USDA’s …
Georgia Beef Producers Approve Renewal of Assessment
Last month, Georgia beef producers took part in a vote concerning the renewal of the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Beef. And according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, producers approved the renewal of the $1-per-head assessment. Georgia Beef Board’s Executive Vice President, Will Bentley, says this is good news for the state’s beef industry. From Georgia Department …
Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee Highlights Importance of Watershed Maintenance in Rural America
The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing to examine efforts to address small watershed infrastructure. Subcommittee Chairman Frank Lucas (OK-3) and members heard from two panels of witnesses who underscored the importance of technical and financial assistance to maintain these watershed structures. “For nearly 70 years, rural communities have benefited from federal investments in watershed projects …
Clay Restaurant Home to Bama’s Best Beef
A winner of this year’s “Bama’s Best Beef” contest has been named in the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association’s (ACA) Facebook contest. Kayla Greer, ACA’s director of social media and communications, tells us who this year’s winner is. From Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Barbecue Stop (Clay) has been named home to “Bama’s Best Beef” through victory in the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association’s Facebook contest. …