2025 Tech Hub Live

USDA Tracking Farm Bill Implementation

Cindy Zimmerman

Now that the federal government is back at work, USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky says they are moving as quickly as possible to implement the new farm bill. During a Farm Foundation Forum on the realities of implementing the 2018 farm bill, Censky said USDA is using a “Fitbit” type of approach to tracking goals. “We have our own ‘FBit’ …

AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Bill, Farm Foundation, USDA

Secretary Sonny Urges Cattle Producers to be Transparent

Cindy Zimmerman

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue had the opportunity to address about 9,000 cattlemen and women during the closing general session of the Cattle Industry Convention on Friday and challenge them to be transparent and let consumers know what they do to produce beef. “We don’t have anything to be ashamed about in the U.S. beef industry,” said Perdue. “No longer …

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Beef, Beef Checkoff, Cattle Industry Conference, NCBA, USDA

Secretary Sonny to Address 100th AFBF Convention

Cindy Zimmerman

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be joining more than 6,000 farmers and ranchers in New Orleans later this month to speak at the 100th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show. Secretary Perdue will address Farm Bureau members during the closing general session, scheduled to take place Monday, January 14 at 11:15 a.m. “We are honored …

AFBF, USDA

USDA Launches ReConnect Program

Cindy Zimmerman

USDA is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA’s new ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. “High-speed internet e-Connectivity is a necessity, not an amenity, vital …

AFBF, AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Internet, USDA

Former Agriculture Secretaries Meet

Cindy Zimmerman

Just days after the passing of former Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland, four former secretaries met with current Secretary Sonny Perdue to discuss the latest agricultural issues. Those in attendance included former Secretaries John Block (1981-1986), Dan Glickman (1995-2001), Ann Veneman (2001-2005), and Mike Johanns (2005-2008). The Secretaries discussed several issues including trade, wildfires, agriculture research, infrastructure, cell-based meat, and …

AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, NAFB, USDA

USDA Under Secretary Ibach at #ASTACSS

Cindy Zimmerman

USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach spoke to attendees at the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS 2018 and Seed Expo during a Plant Breeding Innovation session, toured the trade show, and met with media on Thursday in Chicago. Ibach discussed the importance of innovation in plant breeding, as well as coming regulations for GMO labeling, …

AgWired Precision, ASTA, Audio, USDA

USDA Under Secretary Northey at #ARA2018

Cindy Zimmerman

Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service Bill Northey discussed trade and a 2018 farm bill, among other topics, during a visit to the 2018 Agricultural Retailers Association convention this week in Boca Raton, Florida. “I’m very hopeful,” said Northey about getting a farm bill by the end of the year, especially after word Thursday from House and Senate …

AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, ARA, Audio, Farm Bill, Trade, USDA

Concerns Raised About E15 Rulemaking Delay

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol interests have been raising concerns this week about the Environmental Protection Agency delaying the start of the rulemaking process for year-round E15 until February 2019, which would make the timeline for getting it approved before next summer very tight. “EPA ought to speed it up, or otherwise it’s going to look like the president wasn’t serious about his announcement,” …

ACE, Audio, Corn, Ethanol, RFA, USDA

Secretary Purdue Rings Bell for Agriculture

Cindy Zimmerman

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday afternoon, along with agriculture industry representatives both on and off the podium. “The farmers, ranchers, foresters and agricultural producers across America contribute a great deal to the American economy,” Secretary Perdue said. “I’m pleased to be here today, at the center of …

Ag Groups, USDA

USDA Expands Crop Forecast from Last Month

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2018 corn, soybean, and cotton crops are all forecast to be two percent larger than USDA predicted in August, in the latest crop production report issued Wednesday. Corn production is now forecast at 14.8 billion bushels, up 2 percent from August and up 2 percent from last year. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to …

Audio, Corn, Cotton, Soybean, USDA