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. …
Troutman Joins Lineup of Florida Ag Commissioner Hopefuls
by Lloyd Dunkelberger News Service of Florida Former state Rep. Baxter Troutman entered the race for state agriculture commissioner on Monday, priming his Republican bid for a Cabinet seat with $2.5 million of his own money. “For two decades, I’ve been building a business and continuing my work in Florida agriculture,” Troutman, of Winter Haven, said in a statement. “Real …
NPPC, Ports Coalition, Applaud Early West Coast Port Contract Talks
The National Pork Producers Council has signed onto a letter from the Ports Coalition applauding early contract talks between port unions and west coast port operators. The letter specifically applauds the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association for agreeing to early discussions on a contract extension. The extension will allow ports on the West Coast to operate …
National Farmers Union Submits NAFTA Comments to USTR
The National Farmers Union is urging the Donald Trump administration to craft a new, fair trade framework for international trade deals that benefits rural America through the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. In public comments submitted to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, NFU President Roger Johnson highlighted the alleged shortcomings of the United States’ current free trade …
Organic Industry to Create Anti-fraud Task Force
A task force started by the Organic Trade Association will work on best-practices to verify international organic products. The anti-fraud task force will create guidelines for the private sector to use in verifying its international supply chains. The task force follows news of a shipment of fraudulent organic corn and soybeans that entered the United States from Turkey. The task …