A coalition of almost 100 American food and agriculture organizations called for the prompt confirmation of Doug McKalip as the Chief Agriculture Negotiator in the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. In the letter to the U.S. Senate’s Finance Committee, the groups highlighted McKalip’s deep knowledge of the food and agriculture industry and his institutional, regulatory, and trade experience. The groups also …
Farm Bureau Foundation Awards Ag Literacy Grants
Farm Bureau is encouraging ag literacy. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture awarded $9,400 in grants to recognize agricultural literacy programs of ten state and county Farm Bureaus. The grants are funded through the White-Reinhardt Fund for Education program, which acknowledges communities that are engaging with students on the fundamental role of agriculture …
Ethanol Industry Hopeful for E15 Win
The ethanol industry is hopeful of a final win soon on a permanent fix for restricted summertime E15 sales. The House has already acted as part of a package of livestock competition bills to permanently allow summertime E15 sales that received a Biden waiver just for this summer. Now, Renewable Fuels Association chief Geoff Cooper says it’s up to the …
USDA: Adult Obesity Increased During Pandemic
An additional effect on our health from the pandemic. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. USDA’s Economic Research Service reports behavior changes during the pandemic exacerbated an already existing adult obesity epidemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in 2020, studies using limited online surveys found evidence of weight gain among U.S. adults. However, because the pandemic surveys did not represent …
Farm Dog of the Year Nominations Closing Soon
Nominations are closing soon, for a farm bureau honor for your four-legged friends. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. If you haven’t nominated your pup for the Farm Dog of the Year, now’s the time. Nominations close on July 15. Farm Dog of the Year is an annual competition held by the American Farm Bureau Federation and supported by Purina. …
USDA to Resurvey Some Planted Acreage
The June 30 acreage report from USDA shows farmers planted slightly less acres than last year. However, American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Economist Veronica Nigh says USDA will resurvey some planted acreage, which could change the data. “USDA’s June 30 acreage report indicates that for the ’22-23 crop year, farmers planted 237.8 million acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton,” …
NMPF: Prioritize Food Access at Hunger Conference
Prioritizing a discussion on food access. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) recently led eleven national agriculture, anti-hunger, nutrition, and medical groups in a virtual listening session with the White House on food access. The White House is holding its Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September, and the groups want …
USDA-Cost of a Home-Grilled Cheeseburger up from 2021
Grilling season is underway, and the cost of the homemade cheeseburger is going up. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Home-grilled cheeseburgers, a summer cookout staple, will cost consumers more this summer. USDA’s Economic Research Service says the ingredients for a home-prepared 1/4-pound cheeseburger totaled $2.07 per burger, with ground beef making up the largest cost at $1.20. This represents …
Consumer Confidence in Farmers is High
In a new survey conducted by the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF), 76% of consumers said they have confidence in farmers to protect produce safety. Government agencies are also trusted by consumers, according to the survey. Despite media reports and public statements to the contrary, 78% percent of survey participants responded they were confident in regulatory systems in place …
New Biobased Product Program
A new program that promotes biobased products. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is accepting applications for a new pilot program created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that supports the development of biobased products. These products have lower carbon footprints and increase the use of renewable agricultural materials, which creates new revenue streams for farmers. …