WASHINGTON, D.C. AND AMES, IA (NPPC) – The global outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), a disease affecting only pigs with no human health or food safety risks, is growing, with new cases appearing throughout Southeast Asia and China. While there are no reported cases of ASF in the U.S., a grant recently awarded to the Swine Health Information Center …
Work Starts on Toll Road Plans
TALLAHASSEE (NSF) — Task forces that will study and make recommendations about three major toll-road proposals will be committed to protecting farmland and natural springs in the western side of the state, members were told Tuesday as they formally kicked off the work. Still, critics who fought the projects during this year’s legislative session because of concerns about sprawl and …
Ag Groups Celebrate Trade Agreement With Japan
The United States and Japan have agreed in principle to a trade deal. In a report from Gary Crawford, President Donald Trump talks about the new agreement. Secretary Perdue on Japan Agreement WU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the new trade agreement between the United States and Japan: “Japan is a significant market for United …
NCBA on GIPSA Rulemaking Process
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to move forward with a new attempt on the rulemaking process for the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Inspection, or GIPSA rule. Senate lawmakers this month penned a letter to USDA requesting the new rule protect livestock and poultry farmers against unfair and deceptive practices by meatpackers and poultry companies, as well …
USDA to Measure Small Grain Production
ATHENS, GA (USDA/NASS) – During the first two weeks of September, growers of small grains around the country will receive survey forms from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2019 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, and rye. “The small grains industry is …
DeSantis: Keep Up ‘Momentum’ on Water Issues
TALLAHASSEE, FL (NSF) — During an appearance in Bonita Springs Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis encouraged advocates for clean water to keep pressing lawmakers to pass conservation measures in the upcoming 2020 legislative session. DeSantis, proudly noting that legislators this year exceeded his environmental funding request of $625 million by $55 million, said local voices are needed to maintain the “momentum” …
Hemp Industry Association of Florida Begins Statewide Road Tour
Times are very busy in hemp industry circles these days, particularly in Florida where companies and investor groups are positioning themselves for what many see as a viable new agricultural crop alternative for Florida farmers. We finally caught up with a very busy David Hasenauer in recent days. Hasenauer is president of the new Hemp Industries Association of Florida (HIAF), …
Nearly 17,000 Dairy Operations Enrolled in Dairy Margin Coverage Program
Dairy producers must sign up before Sept. 20 for 2019 coverage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that producers of nearly 17,000 dairy operations have enrolled in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program since signup opened June 17. Producers interested in 2019 coverage must sign up before Sept. 20, 2019. DMC offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between …
‘Florida Farmers Are Going to Be the Best Hemp Growers in the Country’
“Florida farmers will eventually overtake the rest of the country” in hemp production, predicts Holly Bell, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) director of cannabis. In an interview with Citrus Industry Editor Tacy Callies, Bell summarizes her talk at the general session of Citrus Expo. Bell says “Florida farmers are going to be the best hemp growers in …
Department of Transportation Publishes Hours of Service Proposal
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on changes to hours of service (HOS) rules. The objective is to increase safety on America’s roadways by updating existing regulations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. “This proposed rule seeks to enhance safety by giving America’s commercial drivers more flexibility …