Sir Fazle Hasan Abed of Bangladesh has been awarded the 2015 winner of the World Food Prize, the most prominent award for individuals whose achievements alleviate hunger and promote global food security. The announcement was by Tom Vilsack who made remarks at an event by the U.S. State Department. “I offer my sincerest congratulations to Sir Fazle and appreciation for the progress … Read More
Conservation Program Pre-Proposals Due July 8
Pre-proposals for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) are due July 8, 2015. Eligible conservation coalitions nationwide will submit pre-proposals to improve soil health, preserve clean water, combat drought and protect wildlife habitat. USDA is investing up to $235 million through RCPP to improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife … Read More
New FAPRI Report Shows ARC, PLC Picks
A new report from the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri (FAPRI-MU) shows how many farmers are using Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) plans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Highlights from the report, titled, “U.S. crop program fiscal costs: Revised estimates with updated participation information,” include: · The FAPRI-MU baseline … Read More
Lower Corn Acres This Year
Wet weather in the corn belt and plenty of carry over has pushed down the number of acres of corn planted this year. But the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says there’s plenty of the crop for all uses from the grain. Citing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Acreage report, NCGA says total corn planting in the United States … Read More
USDA Makes $17.5 Mil Available for Wetland Conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made $17.5 million available for wetland conservation on agricultural grounds. This agency news release says USDA is now looking for voluntary partners who want to protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on the farmland. “USDA has leveraged partnerships to accomplish a great deal on America’s wetlands over the past two decades, [Agriculture Secretary Tom] … Read More
Ag Secretary Kicks Off ASTA Annual Meeting
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stressed the importance of the seed industry to American agriculture and the nation as a whole during an address kicking off the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) annual meeting on Thursday in Washington DC. “Clearly the seed industry has been responsible for an extraordinary increase in productivity in American agriculture,” said Vilsack. “But more than that, … Read More
Ag Genotyping Center Closer to Completion
A new National Agricultural Genotyping Center is scheduled to be completed by late this summer, according to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). The center aims to aid farmers with new technologies and is a non-profit initiative founded by NCGA and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Primary areas of study will include production agriculture, food safety, functional foods, bioenergy and national … Read More
USDA Offers Cover Crop Chart
Scientists at the USDA have released a “Cover Crop Chart” to help growers choose a crop that will meet their productions needs. Cover crops are becoming more popular as farmers recognize their potential to help reduce erosion, increase organic matter, improve weed control and provide forage. This service allows cover crops to create more resilient and efficient production system. Soil scientist … Read More
Vilsack Dedicates Additional Acres to CRP
Secretary Tom Vilsack has revealed that an additional 800,000 acres of highly environmentally sensitive land may be enrolled in CRP. Under certain wetland and wildlife initiatives owners may be eligible for multiple benefits on the same land. Sign-up for the program is scheduled for Dec. 1, 2015- Feb. 26, 2016. Current program participants whose contracts expire in Sept. 2015 will … Read More
USDA Releases Apps to Maximize Productivity
The USDA is expecting the release of a suite of mobile phone apps that can connect producers around the world. The apps will allow growers to share knowledge about productivity and sustainability. The first two apps, “LandInfo” and “LandCover,” were released recently and will allow smart phone users to collect and share soil and land-cover information and access global climate data. Jeff Herrick, … Read More