Debt Consolidation

USDA Launches Online Debt Consolidation Tool

Dan Economy, USDA

Last month, the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new Debt Consolidation Tool that allows U.S. agricultural producers to enter their farm operating debt and evaluate the potential savings that might come from debt consolidation. That consolidation could come from either a local lender or the Farm Service Agency.  “Providing producers with options to structure their debt in a manner …

food security

USDA Invests in Global Food Security

Dan Agri-Business

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking big steps to improve food security around the world. At the recent Clinton Global Initiative 2024 meeting, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a substantial investment of $466.5 million for two important programs: the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program and Food for Progress. The McGovern-Dole program will receive $248 …

organic dairy

USDA Offers $58 Million for Organic Dairy Producers

Dan Agri-Business, Dairy, Funding, Organic, USDA-FSA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) 2024, providing $58 million in marketing assistance to certified organic dairy producers. This program aims to help farmers expand their markets and boost the consumption of organic dairy products. Zach Ducheneaux, Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator, highlighted the USDA’s commitment to supporting organic dairies during …

orange

USDA to Gather Data about Farm Labor

Dan Labor and Immigration, USDA-NASS

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct its biannual Agricultural Labor Survey in October. More than 1,700 farmers and ranchers in the Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina will be asked to participate in the survey. This is an opportunity for producers to provide accurate information about hired farm labor, including total number of hired farm workers, total hours worked, …

storm

USDA NRCS in Florida Announces Office Closures Ahead of Storm

Dan Agri-Business, Florida, USDA-NRCS, Weather

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) has announced the following offices will close today, September 25th, by 2 p.m. Eastern. The closings are in anticipation of the approaching Tropical Storm Helene which is predicted to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the Florida coast Thursday. The NRCS offices affected include: NRCS will reopen offices on Friday, pending local conditions. …

Conservation

USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Sign-Up for Conservation Easements Program 

Dan Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), Georgia, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced a sign-up for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2025. To be considered for the upcoming fiscal year’s funding pool, applications must be submitted by October 25, 2024. “ACEP is an effective tool for landowners and eligible entities to conserve, restore and protect our nation’s wetlands, productive agricultural lands and …

Agriculture

American Agriculture History Minute: When USDA Extension Service Began

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, This Land of Ours

I’m Mark Oppold with today’s American Agriculture History Minute Even though the Department of Agriculture was established in 1862, it wasn’t until passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914 that the USDA Extension Service began. USDA partnered with land-grant universities to provide hands-on education and research to farm families. In 1914, more than 50% of the population lived in rural …

Pecan

USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for 2024

Dan Specialty Crops, USDA-NASS

During the week of September 23rd, pecan growers will receive a survey from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2024.  “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in Georgia and it is crucial for us to have accurate data about this key sector of the …

USDA-NRCS Accepting ACEP Applications

Dan Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is being used for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2025.?  The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications year-round for ACEP Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE). But, interested producers, landowners, and partners should apply by the next two ranking dates, …