The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the first update since 2013 of the National Road Map for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) (PDF, 340 KB). The update culminates a yearlong review by the Federal Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinating Committee (FIPMCC), a joint effort that is coordinated by the Office of Pest Management Policy in the Office of USDA’s Chief Economist with representatives of …
Dairy Industry Applauds Work to Deepen Philippine Trade Relations
The U.S. Trade Representative announced progress in talks with the Philippines under the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). U.S. dairy producers and processors appreciate the Administration’s work to preserve and deepen market access ties with a country that purchased $243 million in U.S. dairy products last year. In a joint statement released about the recent achievements in resolving …
Beagle Brigade Helping Protect Homeland Pork
When Hardy, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trained detector dog, sniffed out a roasted pig head in traveler baggage at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International airport early this month, it underscored the efforts USDA and its partners are undertaking to keep African Swine Fever (ASF), a swine disease that could devastate the U.S. pork producers, from entering the country. USDA continues …
USDA Announces Deregulation of GE Low-Gossypol Cotton
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announces the deregulation of Texas A&M’s cotton variety genetically engineered to have ultra-low levels of gossypol in its seed. Gossypol is a naturally occurring compound in the pigment of cotton plants and protects them from pests and diseases. This GE variety maintains protective levels of gossypol in …
UF Gives Update on Crop Damage in Florida
As of Oct. 15, economists with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have begun gathering information they need to develop formal estimates of damages and crop losses Hurricane Michael inflicted upon agricultural and natural resources industries operating in Florida’s Panhandle. Dollar figures aren’t ready yet, but they’re on the way, said Alan Hodges, director of …
Caldwell, Fried Square Off to Replace Putnam
A state lawmaker from North Fort Myers who is a real-estate appraiser and an attorney from Fort Lauderdale who lobbies for the medical-marijuana industry are competing in next month’s election to replace term-limited Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. Unlike candidates in races for other Cabinet seats, Republican state Rep. Matt Caldwell and Democrat Nikki Fried haven’t completely avoided each other …
Rising Output Compressing Ag Margins
Strong growth in both the U.S. and global economies will support increased demand in domestic and export markets through the end of the year. However, U.S. competitiveness is currently constrained by trade uncertainties and the high value of the U.S. dollar, further placing pressure on the agricultural economy as output in most industries rises. The latest Quarterly Rural Economic Review …
COUNTRY Financial Partners with Sunbelt Ag Expo to host Youth Event
The 2018 Sunbelt Ag Expo kicks off Tuesday in Moultrie, Georgia and something new will take place at this year’s event. COUNTRY Financial is partnering with Sunbelt Ag Expo to host the Youth Educational Challenges. Lindsey Rinkenberger, director of agribusiness operations at COUNTRY Financial, explains. COUNTRY Financial Partners with Sunbelt Ag Expo to Host Youth Event COUNTRY Financial® provides a great …
Commissioner Black Gets First Glimpse of Hurricane Michael’s Damage
Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black got his first glance of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Michael during a brief flyover on Friday with Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission Chuck Williams. “Unfortunately, our worst thoughts were realized, “said Commissioner Black. “We saw months and sometimes years of work just laid over on the ground in a matter of seconds.” Pecan …
USDA Partners to Improve Community Infrastructure for 1.1 Million Rural Americans
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $181 million in 88 projects (PDF, 173 KB) that will build community infrastructure and facilities in 27 states. “Infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity in small towns across our country,” Hazlett said. “Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny …