USDA’s Economic Research Service reports most values of cotton, dairy and specialty crops are produced on large-scale family farms, according to 2020 data. USDA defines a family farm as one in which the principal operator and related family own the majority of the assets used in the operation. Large-scale family farms have an annual gross cash farm income of $1 …
African Swine Fever One Reason for Stopping Food Smuggling
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported last week that Federal agents had seized and destroyed more than 1,900 pounds of prohibited pork, poultry and ruminant products from New York City-area retailers in the past three months. Smuggling of prohibited foreign food products into the U.S. does pose a threat to U.S. agriculture, but USDA and other agencies are …
A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer
As we celebrate Christmas this year, Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman brings back an old favorite, “A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer” written by S. Omar Barker. A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PRAYERby S. Omar Barker (1895-1985) I ain’t much good at prayin’,and You may not know me, Lord —For I ain’t much seen in churches,where they preach Thy Holy Word.But you may have observed …
New H-2A Labor Wages Effective Dec. 29
A recent issue of the Florida Citrus Mutual Triangle newsletter provided information about the wage that growers must pay H-2A labor, effective Dec. 29. H-2A workers are foreign agricultural workers who are allowed to work in the United States temporarily. In recent years, the vast majority of Florida citrus has been harvested by H-2A workers. The Employment and Training Administration …
Port Problems Plague Producers
The ongoing supply-chain crisis is a big headache to businesses and consumers alike, with no end in sight for the immediate future. Perishable products are particularly at risk, as even a week or two delay can affect product quality. The port delays that caused the supply-chain crisis began on the West Coast with labor shortages due to the pandemic. These …
Challenges When Caring for Livestock in the Winter Time
How to care for Livestock in the winter time. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Winter can present challenges when caring for livestock, when it comes to protection, food, and care. Starting with their water source, you’ll need to regulate water temperatures to avoid freezing. Also, monitor the quality of the water. Is it muddy, dirty, or contaminated? …
President Pardons National Thanksgiving Turkeys
Last week, National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Phil Seger presented the National Thanksgiving Turkey named “Peanut Butter” to President Biden during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. “Peanut Butter” and his alternate, “Jelly,” received a formal pardon from the president and will now reside on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Tyron Spearman has the story. The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is …
Wild Turkey Habitats
A survey by the National Turkey Federation (NTF) says over this Thanksgiving holiday 88% of us will be eating turkey. And while most of those birds served up will be farm raised, some gobblers will be hunted in the wild. Around 6.2 million wild turkeys trot around the U.S. and can be found in 49 of the 50 states, thriving in woodlands …
Thanksgiving Dinner Costing More
While last year’s cost of a Thanksgiving Day dinner was the lowest it had been since 2010, this year is a bit different. Americans, for the most part, are spending a bit more at the grocery store this year on turkeys and all the sides. According to a survey conducted earlier this month by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Thanksgiving dinner costs …
USDA Investing $32 Million to Strengthen U.S. Food Supply Chain
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Monday they will be investing $32 million in grants through awards to 167 meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to support expanded capacity and efficiency through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “Today’s investment supports local and regional meat and poultry processors as they recover from …