Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met earlier this week with the Beef Checkoff working group and reportedly told them he’s planning on implementing a new checkoff program for the industry by January, 2016. Speaking were NCBA president Bob McCan, NCBA immediate past president Scott George, and NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts.
NACD Meets With EPA on WOTUS
Representatives of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) met with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials last week to express concerns on behalf of member conservation districts regarding the proposed “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule. In this interview, NACD President Earl Garber talks about the meeting and their concerns about the proposed rule.
USDA Unveils New Risk Management Programs
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today unveiled the new programs included in the 2014 Farm Bill to help farmers better manage risk. The new programs, Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), represent the end of direct payments by offering farmers protection when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices and/or revenues. Producers will have through early spring …
GOP Ag Commissioners on Federal Overreach
Members of the Republican Agriculture Commissioners Committee hosted a conference call Monday to discuss the impact of federal overreach on agriculture in the United States and back the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) in calling for the proposed “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule to be withdrawn. Speaking on behalf of RACC were Iowa Secretary of Agriculture …
USDA Conservation Grants Announced
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of $15.7 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIGs) to 47 organizations that will help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to accelerate innovation in private lands conservation. The Secretary made the announcement while visiting a farm in Moline, Illinois. The grants are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Those receiving the grants …
Conservation Easement Program Investments
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday that $328 million in conservation funding is being invested to help landowners protect and restore key farmlands, grasslands and wetlands across the nation. The funding is provided through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which was created in the 2014 Farm Bill to protect critical wetlands and encourage producers to keep lands in farming …
Ditch the Rule at Missouri State Fair
Agriculture’s “Ditch the Rule” campaign against the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule was highlighted at the Missouri State Fair this week. Three Republican members of Missouri’s congressional delegation held a press conference at the fair, organized by the the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Farm Bureau. Senator Roy Blunt …
USDA Update on Farm Bill
Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack hosted a media conference call to provide a six month update on Farm Bill implementation progress. The 2014 Farm Bill reforms agricultural policy reduces the deficit and helps grow the economy. Since the Farm Bill was signed by President Obama on February 7, 2014, USDA has made progress throughout all Farm Bill titles including the …
Missouri Right to Farm Amendment
On July 5, Missouri voters will be deciding the fate of a constitutional amendment to protect farming rights in the state. In this interview, Missouri Farm Bureau president Blake Hurst talks about Amendment 1 on the ballot, “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall …
Interview with National Corn President
Members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) had a busy week in the nation’s capital last week – hearing from and meeting with administration officials and lawmakers, saying goodbye to retiring industry leaders, and inspiring new young leaders. In this interview with NCGA president Martin Barbre of Illinois, he talks about their conversation with EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe, …
Impact of California Drought
A new study from the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences shows the current drought is the third most severe on record and is responsible for the greatest water loss ever seen in California agriculture. The study was released during a press briefing this week in Washington, D.C., providing updates estimates on the drought’s effects on Central Valley farm production, …
EPA Chief Discusses Water Rule
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy held a conference call with media this morning in advance of her trip to Missouri this week to talk about the proposed Waters of the United States rule, or WOTUS. On the call with McCarthy was Missouri corn and soybean farmer Bill Heffernan, who will host her on his farm in Rocheport tomorrow to …
GROWMARK Talks Issues Important to Agriculture
Board members for GROWMARK recently visited Capitol Hill to talk with their congressional representatives about issues important to them. In this interview, GROWMARK executive director of corporate and government relations Chuck Spencer talks about some of the issues they discussed.
Senate Hearing on Trade Enforcement
The Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing this week on “Trade Enforcement: Using Trade Rules to Level the Playing Field for U.S. Companies and Workers” addressing concerns that as new trade agreements are being considered those that are already in place are not being adequately enforced. Testifying on behalf of agricultural organizations were American Soybean Association (ASA) Treasurer Richard …
USB Soy Biobased Products Dialogue
The United Soybean Board held the 2014 Biobased Products Stakeholders Dialogue June 17-18 at George Washington University in Washington, DC with the theme of “Innovation and Agriculture Grow Together” 2014 USB Soy Biobased Dialogue Photo Album Past and Present USDA Deputies at USB Event – Soy Biobased About Customer Focus – Millennial Views of Biobased and Sustainability – Elevance Exemplifies …