The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will begin issuing more than $1.75 billion in emergency relief payments to eligible farmers and livestock producers. These much-needed payments are helping farming and ranching operations recover following natural disasters in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
USDA is making more than $3 billion in funding available for agricultural producers and forest landowners nationwide to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices in fiscal year 2024 as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The announcement comes as the Biden-Harris Administration hosts the first-ever White House Climate Resilience Summit.
USDA announced that it is expanding crop insurance options with a new Grapevine insurance program, which will provide coverage for loss of grafted vines caused by natural perils such as freeze or fire. The new program also will complement the Grape crop insurance program that covers the fruit growing on the vine.
After a thorough review of public relations agencies, John Deere has elected to work with Bader Rutter for the company’s Production and Precision Ag and Small Ag PR effective November 1, 2023. Mod Op will be transitioning media relations efforts and responsibilities to Bader Rutter.
Agriculture is on the cusp of revolutionary change. The confluence of a series of powerful technological, geopolitical, economic and social megatrends is poised to create an increasingly chaotic future for us all. But within this sea of uncertainty, a world of opportunity awaits those who embrace change, remain flexible, trust experimentation and work to create a culture of innovation. Global futurist and best-selling author Jack Uldrich will explain at the October 26 NAMA webinar — FREE for NAMA members.
On November 29, join the FarmHer team at the Impact Summit, a one-day conference focused on empowering women in agriculture for the purpose of connection, collaboration, and personal development. The event will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa.
In its continued efforts to support agriculture and farming communities, Farmland is proud to be an official partner of country superstar Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour for the third consecutive year. The annual concert series gives back by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending the local college or university near the tour stops. To date, more than 78 scholarships have been granted! To help Luke celebrate year 14 year of the tour, Farmland surprised him backstage in Colfax, Iowa, with a custom Bacon Sushi Bar, uniting two of the star’s favorite foods.
In its ninth annual FFA Essay Contest, Culver’s asked students to share what excites them about agricultural programs spearheading this crucial work, like the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action’s (USFRA) Decade of Ag movement. Culver’s selected three winning FFA members’ entries, donating a total of $15,000 to their chapters to help fund agricultural education and leadership opportunities, such as the trip to the 2023 National FFA Convention & Expo, Nov. 1-4, 2023: First place ($7,500): Clara K. of the Rowva FFA in Illinois; Second place ($5,000): Sarah H. of the Locust Grove High School FFA in Georgia; Third place ($2,500): Caleb S. of the Valmeyer FFA in Illinois.
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) annual Public Conversation will be held on Thursday, October 5th at 10:30 a.m. EDT. The Public Conversation is an opportunity for the FFAR Board of Directors to engage with the food and agriculture community and for FFAR leadership to provide updates on the Foundation’s recent work. This gathering, held in person and virtually, includes a forum for the public to provide comments on FFAR’s research and other topics concerning the Foundation’s strategic direction.
Bartlett, a Savage Company, and POSCO INTERNATIONAL announced the exploration of a joint venture in soybean crush and grain origination and export. A joint venture between the two companies would leverage Bartlett’s North American agriculture supply chain and operational capabilities together with POSCO’s global ag network and market expertise to drive growth and new business opportunities. A joint venture would also be synergistic with the companies’ shared emphasis on sustainability and supporting growing international markets for grain and renewable transportation fuels.
Kubota continues its commitment to invest in hometowns across America with its Kubota Hometown Proud community grant program, awarding $600,000 in grants to five deserving communities. Kubota Hometown Proud is an annual grant program that encourages municipalities and nonprofit organizations to partner with their local Kubota dealership to apply for grant funding consideration.
Cotton Council International, the export promotions arm of the National Cotton Council, announced the tour dates and locations for its 2023 COTTON USA Orientation Tour.
U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Protecting Future Farmland Act, new legislation to support farmers’ land stewardship efforts as many choose to deploy solar energy on their land. The legislation will ensure that federal investment in rural energy projects prioritizes both land stewardship and responsible deployment of renewable energy to protect America’s farmlands for future cultivation.
RiceTec, a global leader in sustainable rice agriculture, announced the appointment of Chakra Sankaraiah as its new Global Chief Technology Officer. With over 21 years of experience in data and digital technologies, Sankaraiah brings expertise to RiceTec’s leadership team.
