USDA Updates Conservation Provisions for Highly Erodible Land and Wetlands

Clint Thompson USDA, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published its final rule on determining whether land is considered highly erodible or a wetland. This final rule follows a focused effort by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve consistency and use of science in making determinations. This follows an interim final rule that was published Dec. 7, 2018, after which …

The Online Build-up of the Census of Agriculture

Clint Thompson USDA

USDA’s most prominent online producer survey has grown. According to a story from Rod Bain, it is expected to continue to do so, thanks to innovation. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

USDA Forecasting More Net Cash Farm Income for 2020

Clint Thompson Economy, USDA

A new forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes farm income across the country this year will be higher than it was in 2019. USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson has the new numbers. Johansson says USDA lowered its estimate of 2019 farm income. USDA notes direct government farm payments, including federal aid, are forecast at $37.2 billion, a …

More CFAP Funding Possible After Labor Day

Clint Thompson USDA

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week hinted at more Coronavirus Food Assistance Program aid for farmers could be on the horizon. Perdue confirmed that the Department of Agriculture is considering “shortly after Labor Day” offering a second wave of CFAP relief during a press call. Funding for the next round of payments would come from the additional $14 billion Congress …

USDA/EPA Announce Next Generation Fertilizer Challenges

Clint Thompson Environment, USDA

On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, a joint EPA-USDA partnership and competition to advance agricultural sustainability in the United States. The competition includes two challenges that seek proposals for new and existing fertilizer technologies to maintain or improve crop yields while reducing the impacts of …

Investigating Farmers to Families Food Box Program

Clint Thompson USDA

The House Coronavirus Crisis subcommittee seeks data on the Farmers to Families Food Box Program from the Department of Agriculture. Committee Chair, Representative James Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina, made the request in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Clyburn cited concerns of “questionable contracting practices, a lack of accountability, and a failure to deliver food to many …

More Funding for Food Box Program

Clint Thompson USDA

President Donald Trump announced on Monday an additional $1 billion for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. The Department of Agriculture announced the program earlier this year, along with $3 billion in funding to help farmers and consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the program, USDA purchases food from farmers, then local distributors pack and deliver the boxes to …

Northey Encourages Producers to Take USDA Survey

Clint Thompson USDA, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a new annual survey of farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners. The survey will help USDA understand what it is doing well and where improvements are needed, specifically at the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA). Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill …

USDA Designates Toombs County, Georgia as a Primary Natural Disaster Area

Clint Thompson Georgia, USDA

Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties Also Available United States Department of Agriculture WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2020 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Toombs County, Georgia, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to hail that occurred on April 8, 2020, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency …

House Lawmakers Introduce Helping America’s Farmers Act

Clint Thompson Dairy, USDA

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives this week introduced the Helping America’s Farmers Act. The legislation would create a new economic injury disaster loan program at the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. Introduced by Representative Jahana Hayes, a Connecticut Democrat and Antonio Delgado, a New York Democrat, the bill is endorsed by the National Milk Producers Federation and Dairy …