Equity Commission

USDA Announces Remote Beef Grading Pilot Program

Will Jordan Beef, Cattle

Many producers have found added value for their cattle through marketing freezer beef in their communities. Until now, though inspected for sale by USDA, those locally slaughtered cattle have been left without valuable quality grades. Following a recent feasibility study, USDA has announced a pilot program for remote beef grading. United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, announced the remote …

Equity Commission

Vilsack Discusses New USDA AMS Position

Will Jordan USDA-AMS

by Will Jordan The USDA announced in early November the addition of a new permanent senior-level career position in the Agricultural Marketing Service. The AMS Chief Competition Officer position was established to enhance the implementation of market competition priorities set by AMS. This position will focus on improving communication between USDA and the Department of Justice to enforce the Packers …

hurricane ian

Disaster Assistance Available to Florida Producers Impacted by Hurricane Ian

Dan Economy, Florida, USDA

(USDA/Polk County, FL/March 10, 2023) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited a citrus grove in Polk County, Florida to survey the impact of Hurricane Ian and meet with producers impacted by the storm. During the visit, the Secretary highlighted efforts by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help Florida producers rebuild their operations and increase their bottom lines as they …

investments

Funding to Increase Meat Processing Capacity Will Benefit Southeast

Dan Beef, Cattle, Georgia, Livestock, Marketing, Pork, Poultry

Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $73 million in 21 grant projects through the first round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). The funding will expand meat and poultry processing capacity, which in turn increases competition, supports producer income, and strengthens the food supply chain to lower costs for working families and create jobs and economic …

energy market

Vilsack: Nothing in Build Back Better Bill Threatens Farmers

Dan Legislative, USDA

While some in agriculture question the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Bill, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he respectfully disagrees with those who say that it will cause the loss of family farms. AFBF President Zippy Duval told farm reporters last week that the bill’s costs outweighed increases for farm programs. But Vilsack said the bill actually has provisions that …