Data collection will soon begin for USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Services’ first-ever Hemp Acreage and Production survey. Later this month, USDA NASS will mail survey codes to thousands of potential hemp producers nationwide. Gerald Tillman, National Agricultural Statistics Census and Survey Division Branch Chief says “The Hemp Acreage and Production survey is basically the very…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Ag Economy Barometer Drops
Sentiment among agricultural producers weakened in September as the Ag Economy Barometer declined 14 points to a reading of 124. This is the lowest farmer reading since July 2020, when the index stood at 118. Producers were less optimistic about current and future conditions on their farms and the agricultural sector than a month earlier.…… MORE
Selma Woman Busted for Embezzling $620K from Farmer
Detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Ag Task Force have arrested 40 yearold Jennifer Macias of Selma. She was booked into the Fresno County Jail oncharges of embezzlement and forgery. Her bail was set at $47,000. She hassince posted bond and been released from custody. She is scheduled to appearin court on December 10, 2021.The…… MORE
Higher USDA Farm Loans Available
Higher Loan Limit Available for USDA Farm Loans The USDA says a higher loan limit is now available for borrowers seeking a guaranteed farm loan. The limit goes from $1.776 million to $1.825 million. “Farm loans are critical for our customers’ annual operating and family living expenses, emergency needs, and cash flow,” says FSA Administrator…… MORE
Lawmakers React to Reclamation Decision
In a news release from Congressman David Valadao, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation re-initiated consultation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service 2019 biological opinions for long-term operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. Congressman David G. Valadao, House Republican Leader McCarthy, and Representatives Calvert, Garcia, Issa, Kim, LaMalfa,…… MORE
No Methane Tax on Animals
The American Farm Bureau Federation, addressing a social media myth, says “the current language of the reconciliation bill does not impose a methane tax on agriculture.” Those words from AFBF’s Public Affairs Vice President Sam Kieffer, who says the statement seeks to clear up any confusion. Kieffer says that over the summer, Farm Bureau economists…… MORE
Calif. Water Regulators Prepare for Another Dry Winter
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California regulators said they are preparing for the possibility of mandatory water restrictions if the state faces yet another dry winter. Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth said the agency is working with state water agencies for the possibility they won’t receive an allocation of water from the state next…… MORE
USDA Help with Climate & Agriculture
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says his department will offer a $3 billion comprehensive set of investments to address challenges facing farmers and ranchers. USDA says the investments will support drought resilience and response, animal disease prevention, market disruption relief, and purchase food for school nutrition programs. The support will be made available via the Commodity…… MORE
Restaurant Challenges Continue
U.S. restaurants feeling supply chain issues for their food products are also contending with issues around upgrading kitchen equipment. Restaurant Business reports it can sometimes take months to get equipment in the door, thanks to a backlog of imports that has left two dozen or more container ships waiting outside of U.S. ports. Mark Rossi,…… MORE
Ag Retailing Future Driven by Precision
A new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange says the ag retailer of the future has an opportunity to earn more income from precision agronomy services and emerging sustainability management programs. Traditional crop input sales will continue to be a boon for retailers in the future. The report says the current strong financial returns that cooperatives…… MORE
