More than half of America’s dairy farmers are enrolled in the new Margin Protection Program created as part of the Farm Bill. Enrollment Numbers for Dairy Margin Protection Program Are…
Spotlight on Investments in Conservation
A mid-week announcement by the Agriculture Secretary will show how partnerships could lead to greater investments in conservation. Spotlight on Investments in Conservation…
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Makes Major Announcement Regarding Conservation Projects
…part of the new USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). In addition, these projects will leverage an estimated $400 million more in partner contributions—for a total of nearly $800 million—to…
Farm Bureau Delegates Set Public Policy Positions for 2015
…Reaffirmed support for country-of-origin labeling provisions consistent with World Trade Organization rules; • Called for a state-led, voluntary pollinator stewardship program to address concerns over recent declines in the populations…
CDFA Announces Available Funding for Dairy Development Program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP), authorized by the Budget Act of 2014. CDFA was…
Dairy Producers Enroll in New Margin Protection Program
…Program. The voluntary program provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level…
Conservation Practices Result in Healthy Grass and Strong Soil
USDA ’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helps a family ranch operation in Hawaii ensure there’s enough healthy grass to feed their cows. Susan Carter has the story. Conservation Practices Result…
Success of Good Soil Health on a Ranch of Grass Fed Cattle
Soil health has recently taken a strong front and center presence, but for one local Hawaiian rancher, practicing soil and water conservation has been a part of his operation since…
Hands-on Project Proving Beneficial to Bees
A program that started in Chico may be helping beekeepers reduce winter bee losses. Hands-on Project Proving Beneficial to Bees Honey bee tech transfer teams were tested in Northern California…
USDA Observes Kick Off of the International Year of Soils
…don’t realize that just beneath our feet lies a diverse, complex, life-giving ecosystem that sustains our entire existence,” said Jason Weller, chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “We…
USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for January 2015
…Storage Facility Loans for January is 2.500 percent, down from 2.625 percent in December. Further program information is available from USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Financial Management Division at 202-772-6041….
Medfly Infestation Triggers Quarantine In Riverside County
…County is the standard Medfly program used by CDFA and it’s the safest, most effective and efficient response program available. CDFA has successfully eradicated each and every detected Medlfy infestation…
CDFA Accepting Concept Proposals for 2015 Fertilizer Research and Education Grants
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is currently accepting concept proposals for the 2015 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds research that…
No Actions in Early 2015 Under the Feedstock Flexibility Program
…to administer the sugar program as transparently as possible using the latest available data. The next quarterly estimate regarding the Feedstock Flexibility Program will occur prior to April 1, 2015….