The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board of Directors is accepting grant proposals designed to help improve the American sheep industry. At the request of the American Sheep Industry Association, the Center was established as part of the 2008 Farm Bill. As part of the 2019 Farm Bill, the Center was awarded funding by USDA’s…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Fewer Farmers Responding to Government Surveys
The number of farmers responding to surveys from the National Agricultural Statistics Service has dropped in recent years. Ag Web Dot Com looked into response rates after a new study from the American Statistical Association warned the reliability of U.S. economic data is at risk for several reasons. In the early 1990s, response rates for…… MORE
Ag Trade Deficit Jumps
The agricultural trade deficit, or the value of exports from the U.S. versus imports into the country, increased in the first eight months of the fiscal year. USDA data says the deficit was at $15.2 billion so far in the 2023-2024 marketing year that runs through September 30. That compares with a deficit of $3.89…… MORE
Reaction to Proposed Milk Pricing Changes
USDA proposed amendments to all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders, and national ag groups shared their reaction, including the American Farm Bureau. President Zippy Duvall says they’ve called for FMMO reform since 2021 and convened a successful first-of-its-kind industry-wide forum in 2022. “We’re pleased with the intent to return the Class 1 skim milk prices…… MORE
USDA Releases Proposed Updates to FMMOs
The USDA released updates to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders. The 332-page proposal would restore a rule that makes the Class 1 milk price the higher-of the price of Class 3 and Class 4 for a month. After an initial reading of the proposal, the National Milk Producers Federation reacted positively. “We’re heartened that much…… MORE
Statewide Pesticide Notification Regulation is One Step Closer To a Reality
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation just released modifications to its proposed pesticide application notification. This will be a first of its kind system to provide advanced information on the planned applications of pesticides used in agriculture. Referred to as restricted materials, the department say those materials are a highly regulated category of pesticides that…… MORE
Consumers Battle Fatigue Over Food Prices
Rabobank’s 2024 July 4th Barbecue Index reached an unprecedented level this year. Hosting a ten-person barbecue on the Fourth of July will cost $99, the highest total on record. This year, beef, beer, soda, and lettuce comprise 64% of the total cost. With food prices unlikely to reverse course, Rabobank says this may be the…… MORE
Farming Robotics Event Set
The future of farming in California will be display later this year. It’s being called the premier event for ag robotics and automation. FIRA USA will be held this fall at the Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodland near Sacramento. Dozens of ag robots will be in action to show what they can do for farmers.…… MORE
USDA Funds to Support Farmworkers
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states including California. The funds come through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program and will reach 177 unique agricultural operations and more than 11,000 workers. The awards are intended to improve the resiliency of the U.S. food…… MORE
China Bans Meat Exports from U.S. West Coast Facility
China has banned meat exports from a West Coast cold storage facility near the Port of Oakland after traces of the feed additive ractopamine were found in beef shipments. The Food Safety and Inspection Service said that Chinese customs workers detected the feed additive that’s banned by more than 150 countries. Agriculture Dive says the…… MORE
