Our USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, Thomas Dorr was on hand here at the Farm Progress Show.
Ag Secretary Visits Farm Progress Show
Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns toured the Farm Progress Show today.
Afterward he met with the press. He basically summarized the action the administration is taking to help drought-stricken farmers and then talked about renewable energy and energy efficiency funding.
Ag Secretary Midwest Visits
Our Agriculture Secretary is sure getting around these days. He was in Kansas City this week. Here’s a couple more places we’ll be seeing him.
Johanns at the ID INFO EXPO
Second day of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture ID INFO Expo was a busy one, between the Secretary of Agriculture and the protesters. A small but vocal group gathered outside the Westin in Kansas City with signs and umbrellas saying “No to NAIS.” I figured that about 99 percent of the people passing by on Grand Avenue had no …
Mixed Reaction To USDA WIC Change Proposal
The Produce Marketing Association is happy that the proposed changes to the USDA, WIC program now includes fruits and vegetables.
NASS Is Podcasting
I always learn a lot when I teach a workshop. Sometimes I think I learn as much as the people who are attending.
Blueberry Council Alternate
Our Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner announced one importer alternate to serve on the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, for a term of office beginning immediately and ending on Dec. 31, 2006.
New National Mango Board Members
I almost missed this. It’s good to comb through the inbox you know.
USDA Broadband Loan Lawsuit
Not everyone is happy with the way USDA’s Rural Development office is doling out rural broadband loans. According to a story on C/net yesterday, the department is being sued by Mediacom Communications, the same company supplying us with our high speed access. Apparently a competitor (Lisco) in Fairfield, IA received a low interest loan to develop a system in a community that already has 2 other providers.
Manage Your Farm Energy Risk
With all the buzz about energy and fuel costs small and limited resource farmers as well as any producers might be interested in USDA’s “Energy In Agriculture, Managing The Risk” conference in Kansas City, MO on June 27-28.