(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced further details of the $16 billion package aimed at supporting American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals. In May, President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a relief strategy in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and …
Funding to Support Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
WASHINGTON (USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced up to $16 million in available funding to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program). The program is …
Examples of Cattle Health and Nutrition Research
Efforts among USDA research entities, land grant universities and private companies are resulting in new ways to improve cattle health and nutrition. Rod Bain has the story.
Cotton and Peanut Crop Update
In our weekly update on the nation’s cotton and peanut crops, U.S. Department of Agriculture meteorologist Brad Rippey says nearly half of the nation’s cotton acreage is squaring. Rippey says over half of the nation’s peanut crop is pegging. In Alabama, 74 percent of the cotton is squaring, which compares to only 62 percent this time last year. Seventeen percent …
Checking Out the New Dairy Margin Coverage Program
The signup period for the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) started a couple of weeks ago, and producers are encouraged to check it out before the September 20th deadline. Stephanie Ho has more details. For more information, visit the farmers.gov DMC webpage or contact your local USDA service center.
Latest Cotton and Peanut Numbers
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey has the latest look at the nation’s cotton crop. When it comes to the peanut crop, Rippey notes they are one crop developing ahead of schedule. In Alabama, 64 percent of the cotton is squaring, that compares to only 43 percent this time last year. 5 percent is setting bolls. 53 percent of the peanut crop …
USDA Will Defend Trade Aid at WTO
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has been receiving complaints about the aid money that U.S. farmers are getting from the government. However, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says he’s not concerned that the payments will be a problem. “We had to design a program very carefully to make sure we do not violate the WTO limit,” he said to reporters in …
Report Shocks Corn Markets, Boosts Soybean Markets
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had some surprises for the corn markets in its acreage and stocks reports released today. According to a report from USDA’s Gary Crawford, the soybean markets got an unexpected boost from those same reports.
USDA Research is Driving Technological Innovation
USDA scientists and researchers reported 320 new inventions in 2018 (Salinas, California — USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its annual Technology Transfer Report (PDF, 14.9 MB), which highlights innovations from scientists and researchers that are solving problems for farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers; and creating opportunities for American businesses to thrive. Secretary Perdue discussed the release …
Snapshot of Animal Pharma Industry Trends
The incentives that companies use to help develop new antibiotics for food animals are coming under pressure. A USDA research economist said those incentives are being pressured by high development costs, changing markets, and shifting consumer trends. Sales in antibiotics in both the U.S. and Europe are dropping, and incentives for companies that manufacture new branded or generic products are …