Agricultural producers reported they were not able to plant crops on more than 19.4 million acres in 2019, according to a new report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This marks the most prevented plant acres reported since USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) began releasing the report in 2007 and 17.49 million acres more than reported at this time …
USDA Invests in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in 24 States
Investments will Benefit 133,000 Residents in Rural Communities WASHINGTON, (USDA) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe announced that USDA is investing $135 million in 49 projects to improve rural water infrastructure in 24 states (PDF, 170 KB). “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to partner with rural communities to …
July Ag Economy Barometer Increases
(NAFB) — The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reading jumped to 153 in July, up 27 points from June, and up 52 points from May. However, it’s safe to expect a decline in the August report. While the Market Facilitation Program payments are a positive to farmers, this week’s announcement that China will stop all purchases of U.S. ag …
Growers Learn about Irrigator Pro
Many farmers around the country are looking at innovative ways to conserve water while maintaining or boosting crop yields. Irrigator Pro, an irrigation scheduling tool for peanuts, cotton and corn, was first developed by the Agricultural Research Service’s National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Georgia. And new technology, an app for Irrigator Pro, is now available for water conservation. According …
Study Shows Premium in Cattle from BQA Certified Producers
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (NCBA) – While producers have traditionally participated in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) because it’s the right thing to do, there is sound research that indicates BQA certified producers can benefit financially as well. According to a recent study by the Beef Checkoff-funded BQA program and conducted by Colorado State University (CSU), results show a significant premium for calves …
Alabama Looking for Temporary Help during Peanut Harvest
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will be accepting applications and conducting interviews for temporary employment for the 2019 peanut harvest at various locations in the state during August. Tyron Spearman has more details. For more information concerning positions available, starting salaries along with dates and locations where applications will be accepted and interviews conducted, please visit: http://www.alabamafsis.com. Sponsored …
National FFA Organization Names 2019 Star Finalists
INDIANAPOLIS (National FFA Organization) – The National FFA Organization selected 16 students from throughout the United States as finalists for its 2019 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. The American Star Awards represents the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. The …
Southeastern Growers Unite at USMCA Meeting
On July 30 farmers and industry leaders from throughout the Southeast gathered in Lake City, Florida to discuss the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the lack of protection for southeastern produce growers struggling to keep up with heavy Mexican competition. “The fight is real,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried in an exclusive interview with AgNet Media Founder and President …
New Hemp Industry Buoyed by CBD Demand
TALLAHASSEE (NSF) — Hemp has been hyped as a lifesaver for Florida farmers, touted as a versatile crop that can be used to build houses, feed livestock and create clothing. But it’s the plant’s healing qualities that have sparked a second cannabis “green rush,” as the state’s hemp program gets off the ground. The nationwide craze for products containing CBD …
Industry Reaction to Trade Aid Announcement
Source: American Farm Bureau Federation Farm Bureau Welcomes Trade Assistance, Urges Return to Open Markets The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “We greatly appreciate President Trump’s concern for America’s farmers and ranchers in these difficult economic times, and we are grateful for this continued trade assistance to help our farmers and ranchers stay …