asce

ASCE Program Accepting Applications

Dan USDA

USDA’s new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports Initiative, ASCE, is now accepting applications. Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor says the projects addresses challenges within the specialty crop export industry. “Last year we created the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports initiative. This is part of a larger emphasis on supporting specialty crop producers we have at USDA. We also …

USDA Investing in Domestic Fertilizer Projects

Dan Environment, Fertilizer, Fertilizer, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is investing in domestic fertilizer projects to strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. This funding is designed to create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities by increasing competition in agricultural markets.  The Department is awarding $83 million in 12 states for projects through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP). This …

trade mission

Upcoming Application Deadline for Vietnam Trade Mission

Dan Exports/Imports, Trade, USDA

The deadline to apply for USDA’s trade mission to Vietnam is just days away. June 4th is the deadline to apply for the September trade mission. Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis Taylor says there are opportunities for more U.S. agricultural goods, and especially specialty crops. “Products like cotton, dairy, dried distillers, grains for animal feed, fresh …

memorial day

Things to Remember this Memorial Day

Will Jordan Beef, Beef, Cattle, Industry, Livestock, Livestock News, USDA

Well as you remember the fallen service members that have fought for our nation this Memorial Day, it’s important to keep in mind that freedom is not free. Freedom to come and go as you’d like, worship as you please and vote for who you prefer – that freedom was paid for domestically and abroad under a banner of red, …

Vilsack: Farm Bill Beneficial to Farmers Raises Financing Questions

Will Jordan Cattle, Dairy, Industry, Livestock, Livestock News, Pork, Sheep-Goats, USDA

The U.S House of Representatives and U.S. Senate have both put forth their proposed versions of the Farm Bill with markups happening to finalize those drafts. Many agriculture groups have expressed support for the House version of the bill, yet it is this version that has drawn the ire of Senate Democrats. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack held a …

In Visit to Columbus, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New Investments in Local Urban Agriculture

Dan Education, USDA

(USDA/COLUMBUS, GA/May 17, 2024) – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the Turn Around Columbus, a nonprofit in Columbus, Georgia, focused on investing in youth development and learning opportunities to build the next generation of entrepreneurs, farmers, and community leaders. There, he highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to create more, new and better markets, generate new revenue, and ensure agriculture in …

New USDA Programs Ease Transition to Organic Production

Dan Organic, USDA

(USDA/WASHINGTON, May 15, 2024) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new programs, partnerships, grant awards and an additional $10 million in funding to expand the markets for organic products and help producers transition to organic production. These programs will support the development of new and better markets for domestic organic products, provide hands-on training to producers transitioning to organic production and ease the …

The Cost and Benefit of EID Tags

Will Jordan Beef, Beef, Cattle, Industry, Livestock, Livestock News, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), USDA, USDA-APHIS

Previously we discussed Electronic Identification or EID tags, but where can you get them and what does it cost producers? I visited with Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affair at National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to unpack the details of this USDA rule. Click HERE to see USDA’s criteria for official indentification

Unpacking USDA’s Traceability Rule

Will Jordan Beef, Beef, Bison, Cattle, Dairy, General, Industry, Livestock, Livestock News, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), USDA, USDA-APHIS

If you had a bag phone in the late 80’s, you’ve probably updated to more modern technology since then. Cattle producers are familiar with the metal ear tags required by USDA and Electronic ID or EID tags are simply the modern version of traceability identification. I visited with Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affair at NCBA to unpack the …