In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities, homes, farms and businesses across parts of the Southeast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has deployed staff to assist with response and recovery efforts. USDA is also putting in place contingency plans and program flexibilities to ensure farmers, and foresters and communities are able to get the support they need. USDA is sharing information to help impacted people learn about resources that may be available to them. Leaders with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA) will hold a virtual briefing on Monday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. EDT for agricultural producers and stakeholders to share information on disaster assistance programs for agricultural operations. Visit farmers.gov/hurricane for details on how to join. The Farm Service Agency Call Center, available at 877-508-8364, can help direct producers to available staff. More program information is also available online at farmers.gov. Through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, USDA also partners with several organizations to offer mental health resources. Anyone in need of extra support in light of stressful circumstances is encouraged to contact the Southern Ag Exchange Network Farmer Support Hotline at 888-381-7243, which is available 24/7.
Old crop corn stocks on hand as of Sept. 1, 2024 totaled 1.76 billion bushels, up 29 percent from Sept. 1, 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Grain Stocks report. Old crop soybeans stored in all positions were up 29 percent from Sept. 1, 2023, and all wheat stocks were up 12 percent from a year earlier.
If you are looking to earn some extra recognition and cash, enter the 2024 People’s Choice Photography Contest (previously known as the Best of the Bunch.) Entries should be submitted and paid for online by October 31. You must be a member of Livestock Publications Council to enter.
At its 2024 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture recognized three exemplary employees of state departments of agriculture for their service, communication and administration on behalf of their state.
The American Farm Bureau Federation announced the opening of general registration for the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention. The convention will be held Jan. 24-29, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. “Step Up, Drive Forward” is the theme of the 106th consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention, a “can’t miss” event that offers attendees unique insights on the policies and perspectives that will affect farms, ranches and agribusinesses in 2025 and beyond.
Kenneth Hartman Jr., a corn farmer from Waterloo, Ill., began his term as president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). During meetings with the media, Hartman discussed the current economic challenges corn growers face and said he wanted to push for passage of a robust farm bill, expand markets and address tariffs that are being placed on ag supplies and passed on to farmers.
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is proud to announce the third annual National Propane Day on October 7, 2024 — an opportunity to celebrate propane’s essential role in powering the everyday lives of Americans nationwide. This year’s National Propane Day theme, “Entertain with Propane,” spotlights the hardworking men and women in the propane industry who ensure our homes are powered safely and efficiently with clean, affordable energy.
October is about to get a whole lot sweeter! The California Date Commission is proud to announce the inaugural National California Date Month, set to take place this October. It will celebrate the delectable, nutritious, and oh-so-versatile California Dates as well as honor the hardworking farm workers who bring these sweet treats from the palm trees to plates across America and the world. Continuing through the end of October, the California Date Commission will be holding a national consumer contest.
Sakata America Holding Company, Inc. (SAH), a major subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation, announced the grand opening of its new headquarters, the Sakata Woodland Innovation Center. This state-of-the-art facility, located on 219 acres of prime agricultural land in Yolo County, California, marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Mart Frozen Foods, a subsidiary of The Mart Group, cut the ribbon on a $65 million high-tech food manufacturing facility in Rupert. Located in Southern Idaho’s “Magic Valley,” the new 100,000-square-foot plant produces and packages frozen, fully baked Idaho potatoes known as OH!Tatoes.
