The distinguished speaker at this year’s USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum was former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, who was recently nominated as ambassador to China. Branstad took time during his speech to praise incoming Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and share his thoughts on the future of agriculture and economic development in rural America. “Simply put, American agriculture is tied to …
Farm Bureau President Speaks at USDA Ag Outlook Forum
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s public policy agenda shares much in common with the Trump administration on issues like regulatory reform and tax reform. But even harder issues such as farm labor and trade should present opportunities to engage with Congress and the White House, alike, AFBF President Zippy Duvall told participants at the USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum. Duvall said …
MO Lt. Gov Praises Perdue as U.S. Sec of Ag
Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson has commended President Trump on his selection of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In a statement, Lieutenant Governor Parson praised Governor Perdue’s accomplishments in both the governmental and private sectors. “Governor Perdue and I share a common past being raised on family farms, serving our country in the …
Most Ag Groups Pleased with Ag Secretary Choice
The agriculture industry had to wait until right up to the end to learn Trump’s choice for Secretary of Agriculture, but now that he’s nominated former Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue, the agriculture groups seem generally pleased. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association calls him “an excellent pick” to head USDA. “As a lifelong agri-businessman and veterinarian, as well as the two-term governor …
USDA Seeks Comments on Organic Check-Off
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving forward with a proposal for a nationwide check-off program for the organic industry. The USDA announced a public comment period for what is referred to as GRO Organic (Generic Research and Promotion Order for Organic) earlier this week. Commenters have until March 20 to weigh in on the topic. As it currently stands, all …
2016 Crop Production Summary Is In
It’s been touted for months, but the USDA’s final Crop Production 2016 Summary finally confirms it, last year was a record-high yield for corn and soybeans. In 2016 corn growers produced 15.1 billion bushels- 11 percent higher than 2015. Average yield is estimated to be 174.6 bushels per acre, up 6.2 bushels over the last crop. The National Agricultural Statistics …
USDA Announces New GIPSA Rules
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday announced updated regulations under the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). The “Farmer Fair Practices Rules” outline “common sense protections to restore fairness and reduce the burden for farmers seeking justice under the Packers and Stockyards Act.” “For years, American farmers have been calling for protections against the most damaging unfair and deceptive practices …
Ag Coalition Signs Agreement with NRCS
Agribusiness and agricultural associations from across the nation, including the Agricultural Retailers Association, have joined together to promote and expand federal conservation programs. Members of the group signed a memorandum of understanding with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to expand the reach of technical and financial assistance to extend conservation adoption and increase the overall sustainability of farming, ranching …
Vilsack Receives Norman Borlaug Medallion
At a special ceremony at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines last week, the World Food Prize Foundation honored the USDA and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack with the Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Medallion. Ambassador Ken Quinn explained that the Borlaug Medallion, which was created to recognize institutions not eligible to receive the World Food Prize itself, …
USDA Sends Agricultural Classification Survey
The U. S. Department of Agriculture is seeking assistance to find all active farms and ranches in the United States. To do this they are sending nearly one million potential farmers and ranchers a National Agricultural Classification Survey (NACS) during the month of December to find any place that produces and sells or could sell $1,000 or more of agriculture products in …