Government

USDA may alter crop reporting schedules due to trading hours changes

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:19:00 +0000

From the National Association of Wheat Growers

USDA officials are considering how or if to change the Department’s crop progress reporting schedule following expansion of trading hours by major commodity exchanges.   

What’s happened to bipartisanship in Congress?

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:43:00 +0000

The approval ratings for the U.S. Congress have sunk to new lows in recent months as both chambers seem to find it harder and harder to pass legislation. Former Congressman Tom Davis says there are several reasons for this, including a widening of the gap between liberals and conservative members. Davis talked about how government does or doesn’t work at this year’s Delta Council annual meeting in Cleveland, Miss.

Hints about farm bill timing abound, but no confirmation

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:01:00 +0000

From the National Association of Wheat Growers

Ag media is buzzing with hints about timing for farm bill consideration on the Senate floor and in the House Agriculture Committee, though Congressional agricultural leaders have announced no official dates.

Senate farm bill leaves protection gaps

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:05:00 +0000

If U.S. farmers believe commodity prices will stay strong for the next five years, the Senate’s farm bill proposal could be a good choice, say Texas AgriLife Extension economists.

NCC urges House ag committee to include STAX in farm bill

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:43:00 +0000

From the National Cotton Council

The National Cotton Council looks forward to working with the House Agriculture Committee on development of a 2012 farm bill that effectively meets U.S. cotton producers' risk management needs.  

U.S., Colombia trade agreement officially implemented

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:28:00 +0000

On Tuesday, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United States and Colombia was officially implemented.

AFBF: Multi-legged stool best approach for farm bill

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000

From the American Farm Bureau Federation

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman at a hearing today on Capitol Hill re-emphasized his organizations’ support of a single commodity option and a strong crop insurance program in the 2012 farm bill.

USDA celebrates 150 years

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:14:00 +0000

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today marked the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and highlighted the positive impact that USDA has on the life of Americans each day.

Commentary: USDA celebrating 150 years of progress, innovation

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:10:00 +0000

By Roger Johnson, President, National Farmers Union

This week marks a milestone in the history of our country and a legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. While he is known for many accomplishments, a little-known fact is that he established the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 150 years ago.

DCP, ACRE signup deadline is June 1

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:34:00 +0000

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson reminds producers that enrollment for the 2012 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE) ends June 1.  