Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin and Chuck Grassley of Iowa introduced the Farmland Security Act to increase scrutiny over foreign investments into America’s agricultural land. The legislation would make sure that Congress can address the impacts of foreign investments on family farms, rural communities, and the domestic food supply. “This bipartisan legislation will provide the tools…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Consumers Rely on Chicken Despite Inflation
Research presented at the 2022 Chicken Marketing Summit shows that U.S. consumers are still buying chicken. The survey showed that while consumers average rating for their current financial situation is midway between “poor” and “excellent,” 87% are buying the same amount or more of fresh chicken compared to six months ago. During the past six…… MORE
Poultry Producers Settle Claims on Unfair Worker Treatment
Three of the biggest poultry processors in the U.S. will settle claims by the Justice Department over their alleged efforts to work together to drive down employee compensation. Reuters said Cargill, Sanderson Farms, and Wayne Farms agreed to pay a combined $84 million in restitution to workers harmed by their alleged information sharing in order…… MORE
U.S. Cattle Inventory Down
The Cattle Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service says U.S. farms contained 98.8 million head of cattle and calves as of July 1st. Cows and heifers that have calved total 39.8 million, while there were 30.4 million beef cows in the U.S. as of July 1st, 2% lower than 2021. The number of…… MORE
Advocates Claim Deere Might be Violating Clean Air Act
Consumer advocates claim that John Deere may be violating the Clean Air Act by limiting repairs on the emission control systems of its machines. Such repairs are only authorized to certified John Deere dealers. Politico says the Clean Air Act requires companies to provide the necessary information, including software, to repair emission control systems in…… MORE
Updates To Livestock Indemnity Payments
The Farm Service Agency made changes to its payment rates under the Livestock Indemnity Program. The agency changed rates for calves under 250 pounds and will now value them at the same level as non-adult cattle weighing between 250 and 399 pounds. FSA also increased payment rates for calves under 400 pounds. The U.S. Cattlemen’s…… MORE
CDFA Seeks Farm Bill Input
According to an announcement, the California Department of Food and Agriculture is holding several public forums to let farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders voice their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill provides federal funding nationwide to support a variety of food and agricultural programs. Those programs include crop insurance, conservation, nutrition and…… MORE
More Time To Apply For Beginning Farmer And Farmworker Program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is extending the application period for the 2022 Beginning Farmer and Farmworker Training and Workforce Development Program. According to a CDFA announcement, grant applications are now being accepted until August 15th. The grant program was funded through the 2021 California general fund budget. Funding will make it possible…… MORE
CoBank Report On Current and Future Ag Economic Conditions
A number of factors are sending up red flags about slowing economic activity and a potential oncoming recession. A CoBank report says inflation is the largest red flag, and the Fed is ready to raise rates until it believes inflation has been controlled. “Warehouse and inventory costs are still rising at near-peak levels, and transportation…… MORE
U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Import Value Outpaces Volume Growth
In fiscal year 2021, the value of U.S. fruit and vegetable imports rose to a record level. That record is projected to rise another 9% in FY 2022, October–September, to $42.6 billion, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Import volumes are also expected to grow 3% in 2022 to 29.4 million metric tons. This would…… MORE
