Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson. In this wide-ranging interview, you’ll hear his perspective on any relationship between the drop in equity markets and commodity prices, thoughts on China, Brazil and other countries lowering their currency values, and the implications of the EPA’s upcoming decision on RFS volume standards for US farm income. Click here …
More Internet on the Farm
A new USDA-NASS report shows that internet access on the farm continues to grow. According to the Computer Usage and Ownership report, 70 percent of U.S. farms and ranches now have access to internet, up three percent from 2013. DSL remains the most popular method for accessing internet, accounting for 30 percent of all farms and ranches with internet access. …
New Website for USDA AMS
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has launched a redesigned website (www.ams.usda.gov) to make it more user-friendly for stakeholders. “Whether you are looking for information about our services, want to comment on proposed regulations, or are interested in selling food to USDA, our new website makes it easier to find the right information and tools,” said AMS Administrator Anne L. Alonzo. …
Planted Acreage Update From USDA
USDA is forecasting the third largest corn crop and the second largest soybean crop on record in a new planted acreage update released today. U.S. growers are forecast to produce 13.7 billion bushels of corn this year, according to the report from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). That is actually a four percent decrease from last year’s production, but …
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Returns to Her Roots
It was a homecoming for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden at the 2015 Southern Peanut Growers Conference. The number two person at the USDA was raised on a peanut farm in Camilla, Georgia so she felt right at home. “That’s what qualifies me for my job, that’s what gives me my passion and my love and the ability to …
Johansson Picked as USDA Chief Economist
Dr. Robert Johansson has been selected as U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chief Economist. Working for USDA for nearly 15 years, Johansson has been USDA’s acting chief economist since Jan. 3, 2014, and as Deputy Chief Economist since 2012. “I am pleased that Dr. Johansson’s leadership will continue to guide informed decision making at USDA to benefit American agriculture,” said …
Farm Bureau Joins Group’s Lawsuit to Ditch ‘WOTUS’
The American Farm Bureau Federation is part of a coalition of 14 agricultural and industry groups, including the National Pork Producers Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, that have filed a lawsuit to vacate the controversial new rule redefining the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. This news release from the group says the rule, known …
Secretary Vilsack to Celebrate 4th at Milan Expo
The Milan Expo, a six month’s world’s fair taking place in Milan, Italy, focuses on the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.” The USA Pavilion showcases the idea “American Food 2.0: United to Feed the Planet, and spotlights American leadership on issues like food security and policy, technology, nutrition and health, and culinary culture. It is at this pavilion …
World Food Prize Awarded for Enhanced Food Security
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed of Bangladesh has been awarded the 2015 World Food Prize, the most prominent award for individuals whose achievements alleviate hunger and promote global food security. The announcement was by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack who made remarks at an event by the U.S. State Department. “I offer my sincerest congratulations to Sir Fazle and appreciation for the progress he …
New FAPRI Report Shows ARC, PLC Picks
A new report from the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri (FAPRI-MU) shows how many farmers are using Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) plans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Highlights from the report, titled, “U.S. crop program fiscal costs: Revised estimates with updated participation information,” include: · The FAPRI-MU baseline …