U.S. farmers expect to plant more soybeans and less corn acreage, according to the 2022 Prospective Plantings report released today by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Producers surveyed say they intend to plant a record high 91.0 million acres of soybeans in 2022, up 4% from last year, at the same time decreasing corn acres by 4% to 89.5 …
Ag Day Takes Over National Mall
The inaugural Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall was held outside the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) headquarters on Tuesday, showcasing America’s equipment manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, and agriculture innovators on the cutting-edge of science and technology. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack delivered remarks at the event, invoking President Abraham Lincoln who created the USDA in 1862. “I …
Secretary Vilsack Addresses #Classic22
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has made very few in-person appearances since becoming the head of USDA for a second president last year, but he did make it a point to attend the 2022 Commodity Classic in New Orleans Friday and address thousands of corn, sorghum, soybean, and wheat farmers. “I’m here today to talk about the opportunities and challenges …
Crop Insurance Premium Benefit Offered for Cover Crops
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced details of the 2022 Pandemic Cover Crop Program (PCCP) that both benefits farmers and supports climate smart production practices. Agricultural producers who have coverage under most crop insurance policies are eligible for a premium benefit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) if they planted cover crops during the 2022 crop year. To …
USDA to Invest $1 Billion in Climate Smart Commodities
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was in Jefferson City, Missouri yesterday to announce $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices and include innovative, cost-effective ways to measure and verify greenhouse …
2021 Production Up for Corn, Soybeans and Cotton
Corn, soybean and cotton production were all higher in 2021 compared to 2020, according to the 2021 Crop Production Annual Summary released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). U.S. corn growers produced 15.1 billion bushels, up 7% from 2020 and the second highest on record. Corn yield in the United States is estimated at …
Vilsack Stresses Climate Smart Agriculture at #AFBF22
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack stressed the role of farmers and ranchers in addressing climate change issues during an address Monday at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Vilsack said he is excited about a new partnership between USDA and Farmers For Soil Health, an initiative of the United Soybean Board, National Corn Growers Association and National Pork …
USDA Announces $633 Million in Climate-Smart Investments
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack was in Pennsylvania Friday to announce $633 million in investments to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities. In a press call with reporters, Vilsack highlighted 791 investments that USDA is making in five programs specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas. These programs include Community Facilities Disaster Grants, Electric Loan …
Former Senator Crashes Vilsack Presser at NAFB
Now that Pat Roberts is retired from his long and illustrious 40-year career in Congress, he decided to try his hand at farm broadcasting during Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s virtual press conference at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual convention this week in Kansas City. Standing up at the microphone to ask Vilsack a question, Roberts said, “I’m …
Farm Bureau Survey Shows Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Up 14%
Your 2021 Thanksgiving dinner is more expensive this year than it was last year, but still a bargain, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Farm Bureau’s 36th annual survey indicates the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 is $53.31 or less than $6.00 per person. This is a $6.41 or 14% increase from last year’s …