The USDA released a package of rules and orders seeking to increase competition in the livestock industry. That package establishes a Chief Competition Officer at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). This position will be hired as a career rather than a political appointment. The officer will help elevate and institutionalize competition-related concerns at USDA. After that announcement, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association …
USMEF Held Strategic Planning Conference in New Orleans
Last week, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) held its Strategic Planning Conference in New Orleans, where a range of topics impacting global demand for U.S. pork, beef and lamb were covered. USMEF Chair Dean Meyer, a livestock and grain producer from Rock Rapids, Iowa, welcomed attendees with a reminder of how the organization brings together diverse sectors of agriculture to work …
NCBA Opposes Beef Imports from Paraguay
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) opposes the USDA’s decision to allow Paraguayan beef imports starting next month. NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with USDA over Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease and the outdated information used to justify Paraguay’s access to the U.S. market. NCBA is concerned that USDA’s failure to use information from recent site visits in the risk …
September Pork Exports Fairly Steady; Beef Exports Trend Lower
According to new data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), September exports of U.S. pork were down slightly from a year ago but did maintain a robust pace. On the other hand, beef exports continued to struggle compared to last year’s record totals but showed increasing strength in the Western Hemisphere markets. Pork exports totaled 221,140 metric …
Dairy Industry to Meet in Orlando
The joint annual meeting of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and its checkoff group partners, National Milk and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), will be held Nov. 12-15 in Orlando, Florida. More than 750 participants will get updates on the breadth and depth of activities that are being conducted, ranging from marketing and promotion to policy and analysis. Guest speakers …
Ranking Date for RCPP Projects in Georgia is November 17
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) reminds producers in the state that the ranking date for the conservation easement portions of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is November 17, 2023. Interested producers must apply by that date for their application to be included in this batch of program funding. Georgia State Conservationist, Terrance O. Rudolph said, “RCPP is helping NRCS reach …
Florida Agricultural Landowners Reminded to Apply for EQIP, CSP & RCCP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) wants to remind agricultural landowners in the state that they are still accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), climate-smart practices through EQIP and CSP funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). While NRCS accepts applications year-round, Florida producers and landowners need to apply by November 17, …
USDA Streamlines Regional Conservation Partnership Program in Alabama
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced improvements to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) as well as an unprecedented $1 billion investment to advance partner-driven solutions to conservation on agricultural land through 81 projects. Partnership to Advance Climate-Resilient Longleaf Restoration and Conservation on Private Lands in Alabama and Georgia will receive $25,000,000 in funding over the next five years. RCPP leverages …
Ag Commissioner Applauds Florida Legislature for Prioritizing Hurricane Idalia Recovery Efforts for Agriculture
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Nov. 8, 2023) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the efforts of the Florida Legislature following the conclusion of a special session that prioritized Hurricane Idalia recovery relief for Florida’s agriculture industry: “Florida’s agriculture industry sustained widespread damage from Hurricane Idalia, with an estimated loss of over $447 million in crops, livestock, and infrastructure. Our state’s farmers, …
Florida Cattlemen Preparing for Year-End Quarterly Meeting
The Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) is busy preparing for their Year-End Quarterly Meeting. The event will be held November 30 through December 1 in Marianna, FL. It all starts that Thursday morning (11-30) with meetings of the legislative committee, the FCA Executive Board of Directors and allied committee. Then at 1:00, the opening general session will take place, followed by the various …