“These are challenging times in agriculture, but we can rest assured Sec. Perdue will be a fierce advocate for our nation’s farmers and ranchers.” House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) welcomed newly-confirmed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Sec. Sonny Perdue to Capitol Hill to testify on the “State of the Rural Economy.” Following the hearing, Chairman Conaway made …
A Healthy Impact: Fruits and Vegetables Boost Alabama’s Economy
While fruits and vegetables are undeniably good for the body, they’re also a major boost for Alabama’s economy, Auburn University and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station economists found in a recently completed analysis of the industry. “Specialty crops is definitely a potential growth area for Alabama,” said Deacue Fields, chair of the College of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural …
Livestock Industry Calls for Relief from EPA’s Overly Burdensome Regulations
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council filed comments this week to the EPA calling for immediate action on several burdensome regulations the agency put forward under previous Administrations. The groups said that the regulations, “inhibit job creation, are ineffective, are unnecessary, or impose costs that exceed the environmental benefits. Often, these regulations impose federal requirements on …
Dairy Industry Launches Marketing Campaign
The dairy industry has launched a multi-year marketing campaign promoting more than just milk. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, in partnership with America’s Dairy Farm Families and Importers, has launched “Undeniably Dairy,” showcasing the “undeniable taste and enjoyment” that comes from dairy products. A marketing executive at Dairy Management Inc. said in a statement that the campaign “is about …
Farmers Union Confronts the Farm Crisis
The national farm economy is deteriorating, forcing many family farmers and ranchers to make tough financial decisions that will impact their families, communities, and the entire country. In order to provide farmers with the resources and support needed to endure these tough economic conditions, National Farmers Union (NFU) and Farmers Union state divisions have compiled resources, organized listening sessions, and …
USDA Approves Modifications to Margin Protection Plan of Insurance for Crops
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency this week announced greater crop insurance options for farmers against unexpected decreases in their operating margin. Offered through the federal crop insurance program, margin protection insurance for corn, wheat, rice and soybeans will be available in more states and have updates designed to better clarify the real input costs covered beginning in …
Japan Wishes for U.S. to Return to TPP
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said this week he hopes the U.S. will rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement that is worth billions of dollars for U.S. agriculture. Japan is continuing to push to finalize TPP, following Donald Trump removing the U.S. from the agreement. The 11 remaining members have started discussions on how to proceed. Prime Minister Abe …
Roberts, Stabenow, Pressing USDA on Canada Dairy Policy
Senate Agriculture Committee leaders want the Department of Agriculture to address a dairy pricing issue between the U.S. and Canada. Senators Pat Roberts and Debbie Stabenow are pressing USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office to provide continued engagement with Canada over its dairy pricing policies that are harmful to U.S. dairy producers. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny …
NFU, Coalition of Rural Organizations Oppose Elimination of Rural Development Mission Area and Under Secretary
Highlighting the important work carried out by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, National Farmers Union (NFU) and a diverse coalition of rural organizations are calling on Congress to prevent any attempt to eliminate the Rural Development Mission Area (RD) and the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development. The groups outlined their concerns in a letter to members …
Florida Farmers to Visit Elected Officials in Washington
Florida farmers, ranchers and small business owners will speak up for agriculture when they visit with the Florida Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., May 23-25. More than 80 Farm Bureau members from across the Sunshine State will travel to the nation’s capital to discuss various federal policies that affect agriculture and rural land. The agenda includes a series of informal …