Category Archives: Agriculture News

Biden Asked to Intervene in West Coast Port Labor Talks

A large coalition of agriculture and business groups asked President Joe Biden to intervene in the west coast port labor negotiations. In a letter signed by the groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, they say, “It is imperative that the administration work with the parties to quickly reach a new agreement and ensure there…MORE

Food Prices Drop Slightly

The Food Price Index averaged 129.8 points in February 2023, down 0.6% from January and continuing the downward trend for the eleventh-consecutive month. As of February, the index has dropped 30 points from the peak it reached in March 2022. The marginal decline in February reflected significant drops in the price indices of vegetable oils…MORE

Coalition Wants More Help For Businesses in Farm Bill 

An agriculture-focused coalition is asking the House and Senate Agriculture Committees for dedicated funding for business technical assistance and farm viability in the upcoming Farm Bill.  American Farmland Trust, the Agricultural Viability Alliance, and a national coalition of agricultural organizations, service providers, nonprofits, businesses, lending institutions, and government entities made the request in a letter…MORE

Agriculture Fuels The Economy

As part of the National Ag Day Celebration this week, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture released its annual Feeding the Economy Report. The data shows food and agriculture industries and their suppliers contribute over $8.6 trillion to the U.S. economy. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney says the report “proves our industry’s continued strength…MORE

Court Decision Allows WOTUS Rule To Stand

The Biden administration’s version of the Waters of the U.S. rule went into effect this week. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association expressed displeasure in a District Court decision to deny a preliminary injunction of the rule. NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, “This latest WOTUS rule will place more burdens on family farms and ranches, drive…MORE

Planted Based Chicken Label Survey

The National Chicken Council carried out a national survey focused on consumer attitudes about chicken and plant-based ‘chicken’ alternatives. Survey participants included individuals who consume meat and animal products, along with flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans. The results show the majority of Americans want clearer product labeling and separate shopping sections for plant-based products. NCC Senior Vice…MORE

Mexico Concerned About Product of USA Label

Mexico’s Agriculture Ministry recently voiced concerns regarding the proposed voluntary “Product of USA” label effort. Announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week, the label claim would be used on meat, poultry and egg products only from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. Mexico’s Agriculture Ministry claims the proposal, “even when…MORE

Dam Release To Help Ease Flood Flow

The Fresno Irrigation District is announcing that the Kings River Water Association and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers temporarily reduced a major flood release already under way from Pine Flat Dam. This action will temporarily reduce the amount of water passing through the Kings River to accommodate high unregulated storm runoff flows from Mill Creek…MORE

USDA Proposes New Requirements for the “Product of USA” Label

The Department of Agriculture is proposing a rule with new regulatory requirements to the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim. The proposed rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered…MORE

Ag Safety Awareness Week

The Agricultural Safety Awareness Week Program is this week through March 10th. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureaus across the country to promote ag safety this week with the theme of “Lead the Way in Agriculture.” Each day has a different focus, beginning on Monday with Mental Health. Preventative Health Care,…MORE