PRODUCERS

Application Deadline Extended for the Quality Loss Adjustment Program

Dan Economy, News from Our Sponsors, USDA

(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline from March 5 to April 9 for agricultural producers to apply for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program because of recent winter storms and some clarifications to program rules. This program assists producer who suffered crop quality losses due to qualifying 2018 and 2019 natural disasters. “Because of …

alabama

USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Applications Being Accepted in Alabama

Dan Alabama, Economy, Specialty Crops, USDA

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has announced they are accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets in the state. The application deadline for these grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is May 3, 2021. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits and vegetables, …

vilsack

USDA, FDA Offer Update on Transmission of COVID-19 Through Food or Food Packaging

Dan Coronavirus, USDA

The following statement about COVID-19 and its impact through food or food packaging can be attributed to Acting USDA Secretary Kevin Shea and Acting FDA Commission Janet Woodcock: After more than a year since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a global health emergency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. …

crop insurance

Crop Insurance Town Hall Held by Commissioner Nikki Fried and USDA

Dan Economy, Florida, News from Our Sponsors, USDA

(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried held a town hall meeting on crop insurance issues at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida. Fried was joined via Zoom by Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy of the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and other RMA senior and regional leaders to answer questions from agriculture producers on crop insurance and risk management. Photos/Video: A video recording and high-res …

usda

USDA Ready to Assist Farmers and Ranchers Affected by Winter Storms

Dan Economy, USDA, Weather

(USDA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families, and small businesses affected by the recent winter storms that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers, and impacted communities. “USDA is committed to …

Enrollment Deadline for ARC, PLC Programs Nearing

Clint Thompson USDA

Agricultural producers are being reminded the deadline to enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2021 crop year is March 15. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety-net programs help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops. ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual …

funding

USDA Forecasts Drop in Farm Income in 2021

Dan Education, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) just came out with its first farm income forecast for 2021. And according to a story from Gary Crawford, it could be an unusual income year.   USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer has more key numbers from the new farm income forecast.

vilsack

Vilsack Looks Ahead at Various Issues

Dan General, USDA

U.S. Agriculture Secretary-designate Tom Vilsack recently listed some of the top issues he’s concerned about, Tyron Spearman has the story. The Senate Agriculture Committee this week did approve Vilsack to return to the helm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The overall process is still waiting for confirmation by the full Senate.

USDA

USDA Temporarily Suspends Debt Collections on Farm Loans

Clint Thompson USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is temporarily suspending past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and International debt collection agency. USDA will also temporarily suspend non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or …

perdue

Perdue: It Has Been a Privilege to Serve Farmers

Dan General, USDA

(NAFB) — Former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, via Twitter this week, stated, “It has been a privilege to serve America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers the past four years.” The former head of the Department of Agriculture promised to continue to fight for U.S. agriculture. Perdue highlighted his visits to farms in all 50 states, saying, “I have learned that while …