Sustainable aviation fuel could grow into the largest new market ever seen for U.S. farm commodities thanks to the start of production at LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels. However, groups in Midwestern states say they could miss out on the opportunity without low-carbon ethanol, which requires carbon capture and sequestration. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Small Family Farms at Highest Financial Risk
Small family farms were more likely to have greater financial vulnerability than other farms, according to data from USDA’s Economic Research Service. Researchers calculated the operating profit margin by taking the ratio of profit to gross farm income to find that in 2022, between 52% and 79% of small family farms, depending on the farm…… MORE
Farm Groups Launch Mental Health Initiative
Farm Family Wellness Alliance launched Togetherall over the weekend, launching free, anonymous, online mental health and wellbeing services for farm families. Announced at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, the effort offers a safe, clinically moderated peer-to-peer community, where members around the world are there to listen, support and…… MORE
New FDA Food Safety Rule
Although the U.S. food supply is one of the safest, foodborne illness is a public health concern. The Food and Drug Administration has a new rule requiring detailed records for certain foods as they move through the supply chain, which can help trace the source of a potential outbreak. FDA has taken steps like issuing…… MORE
USDA Launches Pilot Beef-Grading Program
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a pilot program to allow more cattle producers and meat processors to access better markets through USDA’s official beef quality grading and certification. The Remote Grading Pilot for Beef, developed by the AMS, matches simple technology with robust data management and program oversight to allow a USDA grader to assess…… MORE
Large Family Farms Account For Most Of Commodity Production
Large-scale family farms accounted for a majority of the value of commodity production in 2022, according to a new report from USDA’s Economic Research Service. Specifically, these farms accounted for 76% of dairy products, 65% of specialty crops, 65% of cotton, 51% of cash grains and soybeans along with 56% of hog production. On the…… MORE
USDA Market Development Program Investments
The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is awarding more than $200 million to nearly 70 agricultural organizations to help expand export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products. The expansion efforts will happen through the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program. “Over the year, we’ve seen the tremendous impact both MAP and FMD…… MORE
Millions of Birds Die During Two Years of Bird Flu
One-fourth of America’s bird flu losses during outbreaks beginning in early 2022 were recorded during the final quarter of 2023. USDA data says that’s when the disease staged a resurgence. Approximately 20.9 million birds were culled in infected domestic flocks from October through December to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Successful Farming…… MORE
Over 1,250 Producers Qualify Under Prop 12
The California Department of Food and Agriculture says there are more than 1,250 agricultural producers and distributors in compliance with Proposition 12. After multiple delays brought on by court challenges and the need for a Supreme Court ruling, Prop 12 is now in effect. The CDFA says producers are prepared the meet the state’s demand…… MORE
Workshop Series for Veterans Focuses on Agritourism
Military veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of on-farm and virtual workshops highlighting farm stores, onsite and off. The course is free and is also open to active military service members. Hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, the 11-session series, “Agritourism through Farm Stores,” starts February 19 and runs through…… MORE
