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 …
AGree Report Calls for Food & Ag Research Reform
A new report calls for reforms in food and ag research. AGree, a group that’s supported by leading foundations that fund food and agriculture, international development, and health and well-being, unveiled its comprehensive report on food and ag research, “Research & Innovation: Strengthening Agricultural Research,” which includes nine recommendations to strengthen the impact of public research dollars by reforming the …
American Agri-Women Present ‘Champion of Ag’ Awards
The American Agri-Women (AAW) presented Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota and Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas with its “Champion of Agriculture” awards. This news release from the group – the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women – says the the award goes to outstanding members of the U.S. Congress for their steadfast courage in upholding the …
Roberts Bill to Make Bonus Depreciation Permanent
New legislation could make bonus depreciation on farm equipment permanent. U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) says his bill will encourage investments and economic growth by making permanent a fifty percent depreciation bonus on new equipment and property purchases. This would allow businesses to deduct half the cost of new purchases immediately, freeing up money for reinvestment to help them grow. …
Allergen-Free Peanuts Among USDA Innovations in FY 2014
Allergen-free peanuts is just one of the many innovations in ag during fiscal year 2014 for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says USDA received 83 patents in FY2014, up from 51 patents in 2013, leading to new patents and inventions with the potential for commercial application and potential economic growth. “USDA has a proven …
Corn Growers to Protest EPA Proposal on Ethanol
Corn farmers are going to make their voice heard on the Obama Administration’s cuts to ethanol. The National Corn Growers Association says producers from more than a dozen states are expected to turn out at a public hearing and rally in Kansas City, Kansas, this Thursday, protesting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to slash nearly 4 billion gallons …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. A downturn in commodity prices and the biggest animal health emergency in that state’s history has taken a financial toll on Iowa agriculture. In this week’s interview, Iowa’s Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey addresses producers’ recovery from avian influenza and their preparation for further challenges from the disease. Northey discusses …
NCGA Announces Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) wants to tell the story of corn farming through its first annual Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest. NCGA is calling for high-resolution photos of corn growth at every stage from seed to harvest and the families that grow it. Interested participants will be able to submit multiple entries until November 30, 2015. Open to all, the …
American Agri-Women Drive Across America Support
Syngenta is the latest sponsor to sign up to support American Agri-Women Drive Across America, joining several others including Bayer CropScience, the Renewable Fuels Association and AgriPulse in the five-month educational and advocacy tour. American Agri-Women (AAW), the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agri-business women, is celebrating 40 years of advocating for agriculture with its “Drive Across America.” …
Faith & Ag Event in Italy to Discuss Modern Ag Challenges
U.S. agricultural leaders will join world leaders in Milan, Italy, to talk about how faith traditions can inform solutions to modern agricultural challenges. The National Farmers Union will send several of is leaders to the June 27-28 Faith, Agriculture, Food and the Environment symposium, including Doug Peterson, the president of Farmers Union Enterprises and the Minnesota Farmers Union, who will …