The USDA is expanding crop insurance options with a new grapevine insurance program. It will provide coverage for the loss of grafted vines caused by natural perils like frost or fire. The new program will also complement the grape crop insurance program that covers the fruit growing on the vine. “We strive to offer the…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Revised “Waters of the United States” Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States.” The final rule intends to conform with the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. With this action, the Army Corps of Engineers will resume issuing all jurisdictional determinations. The…… MORE
CDFA Now Accepting Ag Plate Grant Proposals
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is posting on its webpage that the department is accepting proposals for the 2023 California Agriculture Special Interest License Plate grant program. This program will provide an estimated $250,000 in grants to promote agricultural education and leadership activities for students at the K-12, post-secondary and adult-education levels. The…… MORE
Farm Bill Could Be Delayed
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Congress will deliver a farm bill, but not likely in September. Roll Call says McConnell told the Kentucky Farm Bureau that Congress is running out of working days on the legislative calendar before the current law expires on September 30th. McConnell is one of the highest-ranking members of Congress…… MORE
Cal Feed Industry Is Going More Green
The California Department of Food and Agriculture says the feed industry diverted more than 18.5 million tons of byproducts from human food, fiber and biofuel production to livestock feed last year. Byproducts include canola meal, cotton seed, almond hulls, distiller’s grains, bakery byproducts, and culled fruits and vegetables. CDFA also says processing fruits, nuts and…… MORE
Milk Pricing Hearing Now Underway
A once-in-a-generation hearing on federal milk pricing started this week. USDA’s Federal Milk Marketing Order hearing is an opportunity for dairy producers to make their case for changes to the pricing program. National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern says, “Thanks to the tireless efforts of dairy farmers and their cooperatives, this industry…… MORE
Ag Group Seeks More Free Trade Agreements
The organization called Farmers for Free Trade is asking all 2024 presidential candidates to prioritize new market access trade agreements to strengthen U.S. agriculture and decrease reliance on China. Farmers For Free Trade also called on the presidential candidates to hold China accountable in a responsible manner that does not endanger U.S. food and agriculture’s…… MORE
USDA Proposes to Strengthen Horse Protection Act
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service seeks public input on a proposed rule to strengthen Horse Protection Act requirements. The proposed changes aim to eliminate horse soring, a cruel and inhumane practice that gives horse owners and trainers an unfair advantage in walking horse competitions. Walking horses are known for possessing a naturally high…… MORE
Most Cow-Calf Operations Remain Small
Most cow-calf operations in the U.S. remain relatively small and have fewer than 50 cows. USDA says at the other end of the spectrum, there are a few very large operations with more than 1,000 cows that can be found. USDA data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service Ag Census indicates that between 1997 and…… MORE
Cal Prop 12 Battle Continues In The Nation
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley who is from the nation’s top pork producing state of Iowa vows to fight in the farm bill, California Proposition 12. That voter approved measure bans sale of pork in the state from pigs housed in cages or crowded pens where they can’t freely turn around. Senator Grassley says the farm…… MORE
