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
Category Archives: Agriculture News
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
New Online Farm Bill Feedback Form
Leadership of the House Agriculture Committee this week announced an online form to gather farmer feedback for consideration in the next farm bill. House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott and Ranking Member Glenn “GT” Thompson announced the form for farmers and ranchers to submit their feedback and ideas for the 2023 Farm Bill. Chairman Scott…… MORE
Dairy Industry Offers Input at Farm Bill Listening Session
Dairy producers from several National Milk Producers Federation cooperatives urge Congress to create greater opportunities as they write the next farm bill. The dairy farmers are looking for opportunities to promote environmental stewardship, promote exports, and want Congress to craft farm bill programs that aid dairy farmers of all sizes in all regions. Melvin Medeiros…… MORE
Cal Ag Needs In A New Farm Bill
Valley congressman Jim Costa led a Farm Bill listening session held at Fresno State on Thursday. According to Costa’s office, the purpose of the listening session was to gather input from farmers and consumers as lawmakers prepare to craft the upcoming Farm Bill. Costa said in a prepared statement that “The Farm Bill provides critical support…… MORE
Blaming The Supply Chain for Inflation
Consumers are shifting the blame for inflation from the pandemic to supply chain issues, according to a recent poll by the Consumer Brands Association. The poll also showed that most Americans say inflation is hitting their household budgets and that tackling supply chain problems will positively affect inflation. The poll of 1,000 adults in mid-June…… MORE
West Coast Port Labor Contract Expires
Negotiations will continue on a new labor contract for the more than 22,000 workers at U.S. West Coast ports. Reuters says industry leaders and the White House are watching the high-stakes talks closely. The agreement will include 29 Pacific Coast ports from California up to Washington state, ports that bring in up to 40 percent…… MORE
