Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, called on President Biden to fill a couple of key USDA positions that deal with agricultural trade. He wants qualified officials appointed to the …
California Plums Gain Market Access to Japan
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that Japan has granted market access for California plums. The announcement comes after several rounds of negotiations between the U.S. and Japan, …
EPA Announces Resources to Better Address Nutrient Pollution Affecting Waters
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new resources to address adverse effects of nutrient pollution in waters, including algae blooms. The three new resources will help EPA’s co-regulators and partners …
Port Uncertainty Makes for Tough Decisions for Fresh Fruit Industry
The congestion at West Coast ports continues to be an ongoing struggle, which is becoming even more problematic for the fresh fruit industry. There have been various issues disrupting the …
Almond Update: New Cover Crop BMPs Available for Growers
A new resource has been made available for growers, focused on the use of cover crops in almond orchards. The new Best Management Practices (BMPs) guide provides a thorough look …
USDA Announces Proposed Framework for Advancing Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2
The Department of Agriculture is dedicating $300 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging and zoonotic diseases. The effort aimed at susceptible …
First Giant Hornet Nest of 2021 Found in Washington State
Agriculture officials found the first giant hornet nest of 2021 last week in Washington state. The nest, located near Blaine, Washington, is about a quarter-mile away from the first reported …
Overall Bankruptcy Rates Dropping
Despite challenges from COVID-19 and bad weather, higher commodity prices and government support have finally turned the tide around on year-over-year increases in Chapter 12 bankruptcies. The American Farm Bureau …
Propane Prices Heading Higher
Liquid Propane prices in the U.S. could be heading higher based on current supply/demand factors. A Successful Farming article says that could mean higher corn drying costs for farmers this …
Study Finds Genetics Rather Than Environment Are Source of THC Levels in Hemp
A recent study from Cornell University has found no link between increases in the THC content in hemp with environmental or biological stresses. Guidelines from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service note …
Joining U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Is Easy and Provides Industry Benefits
The National Cotton Council is working to organize educational outreach opportunities and enrollment meetings for cotton producers interested in joining the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. As greater attention is paid …
New Website Offers Regenerative Agriculture Resources
The University of Missouri announced a new website focused on regenerative agriculture topics. Regenerative agriculture has sparked considerable interest over the last few years, offering a toolbox of practices that …
New Emergency Program to Help Rescue Animals During Disasters
A new state program will be able to better respond to emergencies and provide care for household animals and livestock. The new California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET) will be administered by the …
USDA Reports on Farm Computer Usage and Ownership
The Department of Agriculture released the 2021 Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report. The report is conducted every other year and presents data on farm computer usage, including computer access, …