A joint effort by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists and their international partners have sequenced the genome of the world’s most widely cultivated and genetically complex species of cotton. This USDA news release says the discovery will make it easier to address increasing threats to cotton by tapping into its natural defenses. Sequencing the genome of Upland cotton (Gossypium … Read More
USDA Extends ACEP Interim Rule Comment Period
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to comment on the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program’s (ACEP) interim rule until May 28, 2015. “We extended the comment period for the ACEP rule to give our partners, landowners and the public additional time to comment on a rule that will be used to implement USDA’s premier conservation easement program … Read More
White House Climate Initiative Announced
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and presidential advisor Brian Deese visited Michigan State University Thursday to announce a comprehensive national strategy to partner with farmers, ranchers and forest land owners to address the threat of climate change. The new initiative, “Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry”, will utilize voluntary, incentive-based conservation, forestry, and energy programs to reduce greenhouse gas … Read More
Poll: Farmers Cutting Back as Incomes Drop
Soybean farmers in Iowa are cutting back on expenses as they see their farm incomes drop for a second year in a row. The survey by Agri-Pulse and conducted in partnership with the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) shows nearly three out of four farmers (73 percent) expect their farm financial outlook to worsen in 2015 – with more than 53 … Read More
USDA, Landowners Partner to Aid Gulf Recovery
Private landowners have become important partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid in the recovery of the Gulf of Mexico. This USDA news release says in the five years since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, America’s farmers, ranchers and forest managers teamed up with the government to put proven conservation efforts on private lands to work to … Read More
June 1st for Conservation Compliance Certification
Farmers are reminded of the June 1st deadline to certify their conservation compliance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says producers are required to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA service center by the deadline to become or remain eligible for crop insurance premium support. Most farmers already have a … Read More
FAPRI: Modest Changes in Prospective Plantings
A new report shows little difference from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) annual Prospective Plantings information. The report from the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri (FAPRI-MU) is also consistent with what FAPRI-MU released in March. · For the current 2014/15 marketing year, projected corn, soybean and wheat prices are almost the same as … Read More
NRCS Funds for Mississippi River Basin
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is investing $10 million this year in 27 new high-priority watersheds and 13 existing projects that will help improve water quality and strengthen agricultural operations. NRCS worked with state agencies, farmers and other partners to identify high-priority watersheds that align with established state priorities and have strong partnerships in place — and where targeted … Read More
Reaction to Prospective Plantings Report
The much-anticipated 2015 Prospective Plantings released by USDA Tuesday shows declines expected in corn, wheat and cotton acres this year, with only a modest increase in soybean acreage. Corn planted area for all purposes in 2015 is estimated at 89.2 million acres, down 2 percent from last year. If realized, this will be the third consecutive year of an acreage … Read More
Ag Conservation Easement Funding Announced
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Natural Resources Conservation Service chief Jason Weller today announced the availability of $332 million in financial and technical assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). “Conservation easements are an important tool to help these landowners and partners voluntarily provide long-term protection of our nation’s farmland, ranchland, wetlands and grasslands for future generations,” said Vilsack. … Read More