The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced they are postponing the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands signup. While the original date to start this signup was mid-March, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will announce new signup dates in the coming weeks. The Biden Administration is currently evaluating the program and looking at ways to increase enrollment. CRP Grasslands was …
January U.S. Red Meat Exports Below Year-Ago Levels
According to information released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in January 2021 U.S. beef and pork exports opened the year below the large volumes posted in 2020. The data, compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), shows beef exports totaled 105,047 metric tons (mt) in January, down 2% from a year ago, while value slipped 3% …
Proposed Trich Rule Change Underway in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Animal Industries Division, under the direction of State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier, is responsible for various programs dealing with diseases and other issues with livestock in the state. One of those issues they’ve dealt with for some time now is Trichomoniasis in cattle. New rules concerning Trich were developed back in 2013, but Dr. …
AFBF President Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall provided testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Climate Change and the U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Sectors. Here is his written testimony: Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and I am pleased to offer this …
Defending the Flock from Disease Outbreak
Bird Health Awareness Week has been taking place this week, as the event runs through February 26. And according to a story from Rod Bain, keeping poultry flocks safe from a disease outbreak requires the use of proper biosecurity measures, like those promoted through USDA programs. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary …
Native Legume for Improving Pastures in the Southern U.S.
Legumes are plants within the bean family capable of fixing nitrogen. Legumes can enhance conservation tillage systems, improve soil quality, reduce nitrogen requirements on row crops and pasture lands, enhance wildlife habitat, enhance pasture and hay land quality, and reduce soil erosion in cropland and critical areas. Warm and cool-season legume species produce high-quality forage and seed throughout the year …
Higher Feed Costs May Affect Meat Production
Several factors are expected to combine to cause a boost in beef, pork and broiler production this year. Gary Crawford has the details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, …
USDA Announces Dealer Statutory Trust to Protect Livestock Sellers
The Department of Agriculture this week announced a new Dealer Statutory Trust to Protect Livestock Sellers. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed in December, amended the Packers and Stockyards Act by adding language to establish a “Dealer Statutory Trust” for the benefit of unpaid cash sellers of livestock. Much like the existing packer and poultry trusts, the amendment requires livestock dealers …
Expanding Retail Presence of U.S. Pork and Beef in Colombia
2020 was a difficult year for U.S. red meat exports to Colombia, where COVID-19 took a major toll on meat demand and consumer spending. With demand expected to rebound this year, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is looking to expand the retail presence of U.S. pork and beef in Colombia. Joe Schuele has more details. According to USMEF, last year U.S. …
Economist Says Livestock Producers Need Insurance
(NAFB) — American livestock producers need the equivalent of crop insurance. The Hagstrom Report says American Farm Bureau Chief Economist John Newton made that statement in front of the recent Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau Meeting. Newton says that in the 2023 Farm Bill, we will need “careful consideration as to how we are reaching the livestock sector with crop …