USDA Good Agricultural Practices are now available for small and mid-sized farmers in group form as a means of food safety certification. Rod Bain reports.
Wine Industry a Boone for California, U.S., Economies
A new study shows California’s wine and winegrape industry contributed $57.6 billion to the state’s economy and $114.1 billion to the U.S. economy in 2015.
Agriculture Production Costs Sharply Decline in 2015
U.S. farmers spent far less on agriculture production in 2015 compared to 2014, according to the Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
CME ‘Enhancing’ Live Cattle Markets
In response to feedback from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and independent studies by Informa Economics, CME Group Friday announced what it calls enhancements to the live cattle futures market.
Bayer AG Conducting Due Diligence on Monsanto
Bayer AG is examining all points of Monsanto, including financial accounts, in its effort to acquire the St Louis, Missouri-based company.
Iowa Processor Introduces “Non-GMO” Pork
A processing company in Iowa last week launched a new line of pork products under the brand name Heluka that “addresses consumer concerns around animal welfare and clean-label foods.”
Japanese Learn About Biotech, Biofuels
Japanese Reporters Travel to the U.S. to Learn About Biotech, Biofuels The U.S. Grains Council says key members of Japan’s media traveled across the United States last week to learn …
Farmers Market Week
This year marks the 17th annual National Farmers Market Week. Cathy Isom tells us about the week-long celebration of a popular and tasty outdoor event. That’s coming up on This …
Concerns About Reduced Crop Insurance Funding
Many California producers now take advantage of crop insurance programs. A Minnesota congressman is concerned about possible reduced crop insurance funding in the next farm bill.
The People’s Department: A New Era for Civil Rights at USDA
by Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture The People’s Department: A New Era for Civil Rights at USDA Just a few weeks ago, I had the honor of accepting the Federal Agency of …
Vilsack Could Play Key Role in Clinton Administration
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack did not make the cut to become Hillary Clinton’s running mate, but he stands a good chance at a top post within her administration, should Clinton …
McDonald’s Completes Move Away from Antibiotics in Chicken
McDonald’s has ceased serving chicken raised on antibiotics that are important to human medicine. The fast food retailer last year pledged to make the move and has done so ahead …
Global Food Prices Slightly Lower
The latest Food Price Index shows a slight decrease in global food prices in July. Compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the index dipped .08 …
Farm Credit System Loan Volume Up
The Farm Credit System reports loan volumes were up 10 percent for the first half of 2016, and net income increased two percent.