Two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs critical to the continuity of livestock market operations will continue during the current federal government shutdown. The Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program, managed by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, is the sole source of market information on sales to packers of cattle, swine and lambs and on the subsequent sale of meat products. Inspection …
Secretary Perdue Outlines USDA Services in the Event of a Government Shutdown
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today outlined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) services available in the event of a government shutdown. “USDA is committed to safeguarding life and property through the critical services we provide – and should the government shut down, we will continue to do just that,” said Secretary Perdue. “I am proud of each USDA employee …
USDA Announces Plenary Speakers for the 2018 Agricultural Outlook Forum
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced speakers for the 2018 Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), to be held Feb. 22–23, 2018, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va. This year’s forum is themed “The Roots of Prosperity,” and the opening plenary session will feature keynote remarks from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, welcoming comments from Deputy Secretary Steve Censky, and “The 2018 Economic …
USDA Proposes New Swine Slaughter Inspection System
After years of study and pilot testing USDA is proposing a new voluntary swine slaughter inspection system. (Gary Crawford and Carmen Rottenberg) USDA Proposes New Swine Slaughter Inspection System-1 Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg talks about the nature and purpose of the new proposed inspection system for market hog slaughter establishments. USDA Proposes New Swine Slaughter …
Trump Falling Behind on USDA Nominees
President Donald Trump has nominated just seven of the 13 Agriculture Department positions that require Senate confirmation. The Senate has confirmed just four nominations, being Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Deputy Secretary Steve Censky and Undersecretaries Ted McKinney and Greg Ibach. The undersecretary nomination of Bill Northey remains on hold by Senator Ted Cruz, and one Trump nomination, Sam Clovis, withdrew …
USDA Hazlett on Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report
On behalf of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett discussed key findings and recommendations, and the strategies for implementing the recommendations, from the newly released report by the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. Created by President Donald Trump in April 2017 and chaired by Secretary Perdue, the Task Force …
Latest WASDE Report from USDA
The latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report (WASDE) was released recently. During December, raging wildfires in southern California and a late-month cold wave east of the Rockies highlighted a La Niña-driven weather regime. La Niña also contributed to a broad expanse of drier than-normal conditions, especially across the southern tier of the country. A few areas, however, received …
USDA Investing Millions in Wildfire Mitigation and Water Quality Projects Through Joint Chiefs’ Partnership
Projects will restore healthy forests on private and public lands in 24 states The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest nearly $32 million this year to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality and restore healthy forest ecosystems in 24 states and Puerto Rico. Since 2014, USDA has invested $176 million in 56 Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership Projects, which …
Friday’s USDA Reports May Interest Cotton Producers
USDA’s next round of reports may have several things of interest to the cotton market. Gary Crawford explains why. Friday’s USDA Reports May Interest Cotton Producers Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By …
Planning Your Spring Garden in January
Cathy Isom has a few tips about why January is the best time to start planning for that springtime garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Planning Your Spring Garden in January January brings on a new year and its actually a great time to start planning a garden. Starting early is actually the best time to start …