Setting up official National Ag Day Activities Tuesday in Washington, DC, Agri-Pulse is holding a Farm Bill Summit today, part of their on-going Farm Bill Series. Over 400 industry representatives, congressional staff members, and invited guests are gathering for the day long event that features farm bill veterans and policy experts discussing the road that lies ahead for the 2018 … Read More
Wilkins Testifies to House Ag on Research Funding
Richard Wilkins, soybean farmer from Greenwood, Delaware, Chairman of the American Soybean Association (ASA) and vice president of the National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research (NCFAR) testified before the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research on the role of public-sector research in providing innovations for the ag community. His testimony urged members of Congress to support … Read More
Ag Groups Ask Congress to Strengthen Safety Net
A total of 18 agriculture groups representing everything from sorghum to sunflowers, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, sent a letter to the congressional budget and appropriates committees asking for an increase in funding in the 2018 farm bill. The letter emphasizes the need for a strong safety net in light of the current economic conditions, pointing out the 50 … Read More
AEM Highlights Top Priorities from #Classic17
Anita Sennett and Nick Tindall represented the Association of Equipment Manufacturers as a partner of Commodity Classic last week. In a press conference the two pointed out the importance of the agriculture manufacturing industry on the U.S. economy. A new study, which will be released in its entirety on March 9, shows that 27 percent of manufacturing in the U.S. … Read More
#Classic17 Hears From House Ag Committee Chair
Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Mike Conaway spoke to attendees of Commodity Classic in San Antonio, taking the traditional time slot of the as yet unconfirmed Agriculture Secretary, Sonny Perdue. His remarks focuses on the upcoming Agriculture Bill. “I am committed– driven, quite frankly– to get the farm bill done on time,” Conaway emphasized. Having the rules of … Read More
ASA Seeking Participation in Farm Bill Survey
The American Soybean Association (ASA) is conducting a survey of producers in states represented by ASA state soybean affiliates on key issues that are likely to be considered by Congress during the process of 2018 Farm Bill negotiations. The results of the survey will be collected and summarized for discussion at ASA’s Board of Directors meeting in St. Louis on … Read More
NFU Wants Producers to Weigh in on Farm Bill
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is offering growers a chance to have their opinions heard regarding the next Farm Bill by offering a survey for farm and ranch families across the U.S. The survey is in addition to multiple member listening sessions being held that also offer a chance for feedback. “As a farmer-led organization, we work closely with our … Read More
USDA Provides $9M For Mitigation Opportunities
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the establishment of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The program will provide $9 million to help states, local governments or other qualified partners develop wetland mitigation banks that restore, create, or enhance wetland ecosystems, broadening the conservation options available to farmers and … Read More
USDA To Invest $30mil To Protect Wetlands
Late last week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will award $30 million to projects in six states to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on private and tribal agricultural lands. The projects are being funded under the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), a program authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “Through locally led partnerships like … Read More
Conservation Compliance Deadline June 1
Farmers are being reminded the deadline is near to certify their conservation compliance. This news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the new Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA Service Center by June 1, 2015, in order to remain eligible or to … Read More