USDA Extends Application Deadline for Dairy Margin Protection Program to June 22

Re-enrollment Continues Through June 22, Dairy producers urged to act now U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the re-enrollment deadline for the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy will be extended until June 22, 2018. The new and improved program protects participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls …

ADAI Accepting Applications for USDA Organic Cost-Share Reimbursement Program

Alabama growers and handlers of organic agricultural products can recover part of the cost associated with their USDA certification. The reimbursement covers 75% of certification costs, up to a maximum of $750. The cost-share program makes it easier for certified organic businesses throughout the supply chain by recouping the costs associated with USDA organic certification. The Alabama Department of Agriculture …

USDA Announces $309 Million Investment in Rural Electric Utilities

Loans Will Improve System Efficiency and Resiliency in 12 States Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that USDA is investing $309 million in 16 projects (PDF, 107 KB) to improve rural electric infrastructure in 12 states. “Robust, modern infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity no matter the zip code in which you live,” …

Checks Going Out to Many MPP Dairy Producers

We told you earlier this week that the deadline for producers to sign up for USDA’s Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) was extended to this Friday, June 8th. And even with the signup still underway, Gary Crawford reports many dairy producers who already enrolled in program are getting checks. Checks Going Out to Many MPP Dairy Producers Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement …

Plan Approved for Staffing Local USDA Offices

There may be changes over the next year in how your local USDA office is staffed. Gary Crawford has the details. Plan Approved for Staffing Local USDA Offices Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources …

More Cattle Soon Coming Out Of Feedlots

USDA’s latest Cattle on feed report indicates the number of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. was 11.6 million head on May 1, 2018, 5 percent above May 1, 2017. This is the second highest May 1 inventory since the series began in 1996. Placements in feedlots during April totaled 1.70 million head, 8 …

Dairy Farmers Have Until June 1 to Apply for Improved Safety Net under MPP

Many Participants Will Receive Payments Beginning in Early June The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds dairy farmers of the June 1 deadline to enroll in the improved Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy).  Many producers will see payments in early June, depending on the coverage they elect. The program protects dairy producers by paying them based on the difference between …

USDA-EPA Discuss Year-Round E15

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials met to discuss ways to increase ethanol usage and to address refiner concerns about volatility in the market for biofuel credits. An Agri-Pulse report says the meeting followed months of discussions at the White House on the issue. It also follows months of concerns over the way EPA Administrator …

Three More Top USDA Vacancies Filled

Three more key USDA vacancies are now filled. Gary Crawford has the details. Three More Top USDA Vacancies Filled Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …