The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) estimates 2022 crop losses due to weather and climate change at more than $21.4 billion. The AFBF Market Intel analysis shows in 2022, 18 weather and climate disasters, each with damages exceeding $1 billion struck the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that 2022 surpassed 2021 as the third-costliest disaster …
Ag Safety Awareness Week: “Lead the Way in Agriculture”
It’s ag safety awareness week. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Agricultural Safety Awareness Week Program is this week, March 6-10. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureaus across the country to promote ag safety this week with the theme of “Lead the Way in Agriculture.” Each day has a different focus, beginning on …
Prevent Cancer Through Healthy Foods
Ways you can prevent cancer through healthy foods. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. March is National Nutrition Month, and to kick things off, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is helping people build better eating habits with foods shown to prevent cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease. …
Chicken Leads U.S. Per Person Availability of Meat
Chicken has become the nation’s most available meat source. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The supply of chicken available to eat in the United States continues to outpace beef, according to new food availability data from the USDA’s Economic Research Service. In 2021, 68.1 pounds of chicken per person were available for human consumption, on a boneless, …
Cotton Trust Protocol Deadline
An important deadline is coming up for cotton growers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol reminds growers to enroll and complete data entry for their 2022 crop as the March 31, 2023, deadline quickly approaches. Launched in 2020, the Trust Protocol was designed to set a new standard in more sustainably grown cotton. …
Strengthening Dog Import Standards
Veterinarians are helping to reignite the push to strengthen dog import standards. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The American Veterinary Association-supported Healthy Dog Importation Act would help to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases impacting both animal and human health. The legislation has been reintroduced in both chambers of Congress and would improve importation standards to …
Biggest U.S. Farms Obtaining More Land
The big are getting bigger. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA’s annual Farms and Land in Farms Report shows the country’s largest farms with sales of $1 million or more operate nearly 26 percent of U.S. farmlands. The agency also says there were 2.003 million farms in the nation during 2022, a drop of 0.5 percentage points …
Sorghum: A Useful Pollinator Food Source
An alternative food source for pollinators. That’s coming up in This Land of Ours. Sorghum bicolor, a pollen-rich grass species cultivated for grain and forage, which looks similar to corn, can be an important food source for pollinators and other beneficial insects during times when pollen and nectar are scarce. Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) …
Culvers Honors FFA with Essay Contest
A restaurant chain is honoring the FFA. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Advocating for the importance of agriculture and agricultural education has long been a commitment for Culver’s – especially during National FFA Week (Feb. 18-25). This year, in its ninth annual FFA Essay Contest, the national restaurant chain is partnering with U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in …
FMI Encourages FDA to Refine Healthy Definition
The Food Industry Association (FMI) recently submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the agency’s proposed rule to update the definition of the term “healthy.” The FDA is seeking the update when the term is used as a nutrient content claim in labeling. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher says. “We are concerned the proposal is …