Articles tagged under: USDA
House Ag Committee Hearing Highlights Diversity Needs at USDA
Published March 25, 2021
The House Agriculture Committee reviewed the state of black farmers in the U.S. on Thursday. In an opening statement, Committee Chairman David Scott said the hearing is a very public way to address the deep mistrust farmers of color feel…New USDA Assistance Plan Includes Further Funding for Crop and Cattle Producers
Published March 24, 2021
The Pandemic Assistance for Producers plan from USDA includes cattle top-up payments for ranchers who sold into a depressed market after the first Coronavirus Food Assistance Program deadline of April 15. These payment rates vary depending on the class of…USDA Unveils New Plan for COVID Relief
Published March 24, 2021
After reviewing existing COVID-19 relief, USDA will take a new approach for distributing additional assistance to farmers and ranchers called Pandemic Assistance for Producers. USDA will rewrite rules for this relief, placing a larger emphasis on small and socially disadvantaged…Grain Traders Eager for Updated Quarterly Stocks Numbers
Published March 24, 2021
The March 31 USDA Quarterly Grains and Stocks report will be important with traders looking at usage numbers. Van Ahn and Company Chief Financial Officer Kristi Van Ahn says traders are waiting for USDA to adjust the usage. "That's been…Barge Operations Open Up as Spring Begins
Published March 19, 2021
Mississippi River grain barge operations continue to improve. According to USDA's Grain Transportation Report, the Army Corp of Engineers are expected to re-open Mississippi River Lock 25 near Winfield, Missouri soon, allowing for the 2021 navigation on the Upper Mississippi…New Wetlands Projects Funding
Published March 16, 2021
USDA is investing $28 million in six new projects and four ongoing ones to restore, protect and enhance wetlands. Natural Resources Conservation Service Acting Chief Terry Cosby says wetlands have several benefits. “Wetlands have tremendous benefits ranging from cleaner water,…Hopp Nominated as USDA General Counsel
Published March 16, 2021
President Joe Biden has nominated Janie Simms Hipp to serve as General Counsel at USDA. Hipp is the CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund and was the founding director of the University of Arkansas Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative.…ARC/PLC and Crop Insurance Deadlines are Today
Published March 15, 2021
Today is the last day for farmers to complete their elections and enrollment for this year’s Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. Currently, 48,000 North Dakota farms are enrolled, which is about 80 percent of expected participation. In…Comments Sought on Proposed Conservation Practice Standards Revisions
Published March 10, 2021
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking public comment proposed revisions to 23 national conservation practice standards. Revisions are being considered for standards relating to stream crossing, waste treatment, energy efficient agricultural operations and dry hydrants. The proposals were published…