USDA Considering Waivers for Slower Pork Plant Processing Lines

Dan Pork, USDA

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is working on a proposal for a waiver system for hog plants forced by a federal court to slow down their processing lines. Waivers that would allow plants to speed up processing lines again could renew concerns about worker safety but boost profits for pork companies and farmers. Vilsack didn’t specify what those …

New USDA Crop and Livestock Reports Coming

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Corn, Cotton, Field Crops, Fruits, Livestock, Peanuts, Soybeans, Specialty Crops, USDA, USDA-NASS, Vegetables, Wheat

Traders are anxiously awaiting USDA’s next round of reports which should give us a better idea of the size and market prospects for the major crops. And as Gary Crawford reports, USDA will also release revised forecasts for the livestock sector. USDA will release the new round of crop and livestock forecasts on Tuesday, October 12, noon EDT. Sponsored ContentNuseed …

October USDA Deadlines Approaching

Dan Cattle, Coronavirus, Field Crops, Forestry, USDA

Covid-19 has impacted many agricultural and forestry operations across the country, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering financial assistance for farmers and ranchers and even timber harvesters and haulers. But USDA reminds those interested the signup deadlines are coming up next week. The signup deadline for three pandemic assistance programs are: ·        Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 – October 12 …

Higher Loan Limit Now Available for USDA Guaranteed Farm Loans

Dan Economy, USDA-FSA

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced higher loan limits will be available for borrowers seeking a guaranteed farm loan. The loan limit, as of October 1, 2021, went from $1.776 million to $1.825 million. FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said “Farm loans are critical for our customers’ annual operating and family living expenses, emergency needs, and cash flow.” …

USDA Initiative to Create More and Better Market Opportunities

Dan Beef, Poultry, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as part of their efforts to address food systems challenges arising from the pandemic as well as those going back decades, has announced plans for another $100 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. The funding would leverage hundreds of millions more in lending through community and private sector lenders to expand …

Groups Pleased with USDA Investment in Agriculture Announcement

Dan Pork, USDA

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a comprehensive set of investments to address challenges facing America’s agricultural producers. Of the $3 billion investment, up to $500 million will be used to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). This will be through robust expansion and coordination of monitoring, surveillance, prevention, quarantine, and eradication activities through USDA’s …

USDA Invests $3 Billion in Agriculture

Clint Thompson USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today a comprehensive set of investments to address challenges facing America’s agricultural producers. The $3 billion in investments include assistance to address challenges and costs associated with drought, animal health, market disruptions for agricultural commodities and more. The support will be made available via the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Specifically, funds will be …

Florida Producers Encouraged to Apply for USDA Pandemic Assistance

Dan Coronavirus, Economy, Florida, USDA-FSA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced updates to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program-2 (CFAP-2), which includes expanded eligibility and increased flexibility. But a deadline of October 12, 2021 was set for eligible producers to apply or modify CFAP-2 applications. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) encourages eligible producers in Florida to review the program modifications and to apply via …

USDA to Survey Farm Chemical Use and Production Costs

Dan Alabama, Corn, Cotton, Field Crops, Georgia, USDA-NASS

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has announced they will be gathering information about production practices from producers across Alabama and Georgia, as part of the 2021 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). This year, NASS is reaching out to survey cotton and corn producers across the region. Starting in October, NASS representatives will call producers to set up an …