USDA to Invest $5 Million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program

Dan USDA-NRCS, Water

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is investing up to $5 million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). This grant program supports the development of mitigation banks for use by agricultural producers seeking to maintain eligibility for USDA programs. Funds are available to Tribes, state and local government entities, nonprofits and other organizations. “Our goal is to …

USDA Report Indicates Rising Farmland Values

Dan Economy, USDA-NASS

U.S. farmland prices increased 12.4 percent over the last year, according to new data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Rod Bain has more details about the recently released 2022 Land Values Summary. The annual NASS report also notes cash rents saw gains in several categories but smaller in comparison to increases in farmland real estate values. Chief Economist Seth Meyer explains differences in …

USDA Boosts Conservation on Grazing Lands and Support for Farmers and Ranchers

Dan Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Livestock, Pasture, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced they are investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. NRCS will accept proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until September 22, 2022. Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will identify and address barriers …

USDA Takes Action to Prevent Salmonella in Poultry Products

Dan Poultry

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service announced it will declare Salmonella as an adulterant in breaded and stuffed raw chicken products. “Food safety is at the heart of everything,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This is an important first step in launching a broader initiative to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry in the U.S.” By declaring Salmonella an …

USDA-NRCS Offers CIG On-Farm Trial Funding

Dan Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced they are accepting applications for project funding under USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Innovation Trial Program. Through CIG, partners work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby explains the intent behind the CIG On Farm Innovation …

More Numbers from USDA’s Peanut Stocks and Processing Report

Dan Peanuts

The July Peanut Stocks and Processing Report was released last week by USDA. Tyron Spearman runs through more numbers from this report, which notes usage of peanuts for candy saw a good increase. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

USDA Starts Issuing Payments for Spot Market Hog Pandemic

Dan Economy, Pork, USDA-FSA

The USDA is increasing the amount of funding available for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program and expects to issue approximately $62.8 million in assistance payments to producers this week. SMHPP assists eligible producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale between April 16 and September 1 in 2020. “In order to provide more targeted support to hog producers …

USDA Helps Schools and Childcare Providers Deal with Rising Food Costs

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Education, This Land of Ours

Helping schools manage rising food costs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA announced an increase in funding to help schools continue to serve healthy meals this coming school year and provided financial relief for schools and childcare providers. The reimbursement schools will get for each meal served will increase by 68 cents per free or reduced-price …

USDA-FSA Updates Livestock Indemnity Payments for Smaller Calves

Dan Beef, Cattle, USDA-FSA

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) made updates to their payment rates under the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). The agency changed rates for calves under 250 pounds and will now value them at the same level as non-adult cattle weighing between 250 and 399 pounds. FSA also increased payment rates for calves under 400 pounds. The LIP payment rate is set at 75 percent …