EQIP

USDA-NRCS EQIP Surveys are Due September 10

Dan Conservation, Environment, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind producers that have participated in the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) in the last three years, they want to hear from you.  NRCS is asking those customers to participate in the EQIP Program Customer Satisfaction Survey. It’s an effort for them to improve their flagship conservation program. But the survey needs to be filled out by …

independent

USDA Increasing Oversight of Meat Animal Claims

Will Jordan Cattle, Industry

The USDA is rolling out more oversight for livestock producers. Deputy Under Secretary Sandra Eskin discusses the increase in animal-raising and environmental-related claims on labels for meat and poultry products, and how USDA oversees such labeling efforts. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

trade promotion programs

USDA Forecasts an Increasing Trade Deficit in 2025

Dan Exports/Imports, Trade

The USDA forecasted the agricultural trade deficit to increase sharply to a record $42.5 billion in the coming fiscal year. That compares to $30.5 billion this fiscal year, which ends September 30. The widening trade gap, a source of frustration for many farmers and ag-state lawmakers, reflects an expected $8 billion increase in agricultural imports in fiscal year 2025 to …

labeling

USDA Releases Updated Guidance on Labeling

Dan This Land of Ours

The USDA releases updated guidance on labeling. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA announced the availability of updated guidelines that make recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labels. The action builds on the work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels. …

SUSTAINS Act

USDA Requests Public Input on Implementation of SUSTAINS Act

Dan Alabama, Conservation, Environment, Georgia, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is asking for public input on how best to implement the SUSTAINS Act, which authorizes the agency to accept private contributions to channel through several existing USDA-NRCS conservation programs.  “Agriculture is at the forefront of the nation’s effort to conserve our natural resources, and we want to hear from people on the ground how to implement …

specialty crops

USDA Announces Grant Funding to Strengthen U.S. Specialty Crops Industry

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Fruits, Funding, Pecans, Specialty Crops, USDA, Vegetables

Late last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is awarding $82.3 million to 65 recipients to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support the industry’s producers. This includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. The funding is through USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and the Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program (SCMP). Jenny Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory …

EQIP

USDA-NRCS Encouraging Participation in EQIP Survey

Dan Conservation, Environment, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), USDA-NRCS

If you have you participated in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) in the last three years, then they want to hear from you.  In an effort to continually improve their flagship conservation program, NRCS is asking EQIP customers to participate in the EQIP Program Customer Satisfaction Survey that is open now through September 10, 2024. NRCS is looking for …

farm conservation data

USDA Gathering Farm Conservation Data

Dan Conservation, Environment, USDA-NASS, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), is currently gathering farm conservation data from nearly 400 farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.  The 2024 Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) survey is an effort to gather in-depth information about the conservation practices Southeast farmers and ranchers use. CEAP assessments quantify the environmental …

USDA Cotton Report

Dan Cotton, Field Crops, USDA-NASS

Acreage updates for cotton were made in several states based on a thorough review of all available data. All cotton planted area totaled 11.2 million acres, down 4 percent from the previous forecast but up 9 percent from 2023. Area harvested is forecast at 8.63 million acres, up 34 percent from 2023. All cotton production is forecast 15.1 million 480-pound bales, up 25 percent from the previous …

corn production

USDA Forecast: U.S. Corn Production Down, Soybeans & Cotton Up

Dan Corn, Field Crops, Soybeans, USDA-NASS

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Crop Production report shows corn production this year will be down 1% from last year while soybean production is expected to increase 10% from 2023.  The corn forecast, at 15.1 billion bushels, is expected to have an average yield at a record high 183.1 bushels per acre, up 5.8 bushels from last year. Soybeans, forecast …