The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a statement regarding the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) review of former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack’s choice to modify the longstanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) obligation practice.
At its monthly meeting, the Farm Credit Administration board approved a final notice on regulatory burden to be published in the Federal Register. On July 20, 2022, FCA published a notice of intent and request for comment in the Federal Register, inviting the public to comment on FCA regulations that may duplicate other requirements, are ineffective, are not based on law, or impose burdens that are greater than the benefits received. FCA took this action to continue its efforts to streamline its regulations and make the regulatory environment more efficient so that Farm Credit System institutions can more effectively serve farmers, ranchers, their cooperatives, and other eligible borrowers. The final Federal Register notice responds to all comments that FCA received in response to the 2022 notice. FCA issues a request for comment on regulatory burden approximately every five years.
Crop insurers gathered for the industry’s annual convention, where leaders celebrated significant growth and charted a course for the future of American agriculture’s most important risk management tool. With more than nine out of every 10 planted acres insured in the country, crop insurance has become a vital component of the rural economy, protecting farmers and ranchers against extreme weather and volatile markets. Dale Perry, Chairman of the American Association of Crop Insurers (AACI), emphasized the importance of preserving and expanding the industry’s success. Scott Arnold, Chairman of National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) and Chairman of Rain and Hail, highlighted the program’s impact: “In just five years, crop insurers have paid insurable losses of more than $65 billion to help farmers recover from disasters.” Noting the 205 million additional acres that have been enrolled in that time, Arnold said, “This growth is a testament to the thoughtfulness and drive of more than 20,000 committed people who work in this industry.”
Stretching from Nebraska to North Carolina and Michigan to Mississippi, 10 U.S. farmers who have started careers in production agriculture recently journeyed to Honduras and Guatemala. As part of United Soybean Board’s See for Yourself mission, the group experienced an in-depth look at the soy checkoff’s investments in international market growth.
The American Soybean Association applauds Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann for introducing legislation to maintain the Food for Peace Program as the Trump Administration continues its audit of federal agencies and programs. Food for Peace supplies food-insecure communities throughout the world with nutrition assistance that includes U.S. soy.
The Renewable Fuels Association is excited to announce the addition of two key players in the renewable energy and advisory sectors, Weaver and Renewable Energy Advisors (REA), as new associate members. Weaver brings extensive experience in audit, tax, and advisory services that drive business transformation and growth, while Renewable Energy Advisors focuses on expanding renewable energy markets, governance, and providing technical and financial due diligence.
The members of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives elected its slate of officers for 2025 at the organization’s 96th Annual Meeting in La Quinta, Calif. Kevin Brinkley, president and CEO of Plains Cotton Cooperative Association of Lubbock, Texas, was elected chairman; Tom Astrup, president and CEO of American Crystal Sugar Company in Moorhead, Minn., was elected vice chair; Chuck Conner was named president and Marlis Carson was elected secretary/treasurer. The chair of NCFC traditionally serves two one-year terms; this would be Brinkley’s first term, as he succeeds Jay Debertin of CHS Inc. in the role.
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) welcomes Danielle Cummins as the organization’s new Director, Membership Engagement. Danielle joins ASTA after a successful tenure at The Directions Group (formerly known as Aimpoint Research), where she was an Account Executive and Senior Intelligence Analyst, managing a diverse client portfolio, excelling in sales, and acting as a subject matter expert on a wide range of consumer and agriculture trends and topics at national conferences and workshops.
Join the Livestock Publication Council‘s next Coffee and Collaboration on Wednesday, February 26 at 12 p.m. CT. This month’s speaker is Rachael Davis, Director of Marketing Communications, Noble Research Institute. This free monthly webinar is moderated by Jennifer Shike and Angie Stump Denton. No registration is necessary. It’s open to members and non-members. Join the Zoom Meeting here.
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) congratulates Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). IFPA looks forward to working with Secretary Kennedy and HHS leadership to advance policies that expand access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables as a key strategy to improve public health.
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) welcome new legislation introduced that would move the Food for Peace international food assistance program under USDA’s administration. The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Tracey Mann of Kansas, Rick Crawford of Arkansas, Dan Newhouse of Washington, David Rouzer of North Carolina and House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson of Pennsylvania, along with Sens. Jerry Moran of Kansas and John Hoeven of North Dakota.
