U.S. beef exports soared to another new value record during March. The U.S. Meat Export Federation says beef exports totaled almost 126,300 metric tons in March, one percent higher than last year and the third-largest on record. The value climbed 33% higher to a record $1.07 billion. First-quarter exports were 6% higher than last year.…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
USDA Updates Livestock Insurance Options
The USDA has updated three key crop insurance options for livestock producers to offer better protection and flexibility. The options are Dairy Revenue Protection, Livestock Gross Margin, and Livestock Risk Protection. The Risk Management Agency revised the insurance options to reach more producers and better meet the needs of America’s swine, dairy, and cattle operations.…… MORE
Milk Producers Look Forward to White House Nutrition Conference
The National Milk Producers Federation says the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health will be the first in more than 50 years. The conference goals include and to end hunger, increase healthy eating and physical activity, and decrease the of diet-related diseases in the country. “Dairy products, and the 13 essential nutrients…… MORE
Producer Outlook Improves In Survey
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer improved in April, rising eight points to a reading of 121. However, that remains 32 percent below its level from the same time last year. Producer perspectives on current conditions and future expectations saw an uptick over the past month. Even with improved prices, producers say rising input…… MORE
Ag Innovation Challenge Deadline Extended
The American Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Credit are looking for entrepreneurs to apply online for the 2023 American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. This national business competition, now in its ninth year, showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Farm Bureau is offering $165,000…… MORE
Farmers Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, American agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions fell more than 4% from 2019 to 2020. The recent Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks shows ag represents only 10% of total U.S. emissions, much lower than other economic sectors. Farm Bureau economists analyzed the EPA data and found that total…… MORE
Rising Meat Prices Will Test Consumer Demand
U.S. consumer demand for meat at the retail level remains exceptionally strong despite rising prices caused by increased production costs and supply chain challenges. A new CoBank report says that may change soon. Once the full effect of increased costs of producer price inflation shows up in the retail meat case, demand will get tested.…… MORE
NEPA Changes Signal Return to Prior Regulations
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall responds to an announcement on the final phase 1 revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act, known as NEPA. Duvall says, “AFBF is disappointed that the Biden administration has decided to reverse commonsense reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act.” AFBF says farmers and ranchers share the goal…… MORE
Lawmakers Tackle Shipping Concerns
A pair of House lawmakers this week introduced the SHIP IT Act, seeking to address the supply chain backlog in the freight network at U.S. ports. Introduced by Republican Representatives Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota and Byron Donalds of Florida, the legislation builds on the STOP the GRINCH Act introduced last fall. The STOP the GRINCH…… MORE
Lawmakers Support Cal Prop 12
Senate Democrats, including the Senate Ag Committee Chair, urge Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to support California’s Proposition 12 before the Supreme Court. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla of California, along with New Jersey’s Cory Booker and Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow from Michigan, made the request in a letter to Vilsack. In 2018, California…… MORE
