There’s an FAA rule change for some farming operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making it easier to use drones for spraying crops. Arthur Erickson is the CEO and…
Federal Funding to Support Automating the Strawberry Industry
The California strawberry industry is getting some federal support to help advance automation efforts. The Cal Poly Strawberry Center, in partnership with the California Strawberry Commission and the U.S. Department…
USDA: SNAP Payment Error Rates Rise
…Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, says, “The circumstances put an incredible strain on program administration. The rates reflect those challenges.” From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Listen…
Reliable Rail Service Act Reintroduced
…organizations have given their support for the legislation. “Unfortunately, America’s freight rail companies too often fail to provide the equal, timely, and affordable service required of them by federal law,”…
Tides Turning at Tulare Lake, But Water to Remain for Some Time
…results come as good news to communities that have been struggling with standing water since March. The Newsom Administration notes that state actions taken to curb flooding impacts have resulted…
What’s Next for Biden’s WOTUS Rule?
Questions linger as federal officials try to rework the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated that it will update the WOTUS rule…
Most Grilling Costs Stay Higher This Summer
…we encourage members of Congress to consider the contributions of the farm bill to our security and independence by ensuring a safe and abundant food supply.” The federal government’s broader…
India Trade Agreement Good for Producers Around U.S.
…with India. “This is really one of the first big ones under President Biden’s administration, and we’re very pleased to see this move,” Kuehl said. He points out there are…
Five-Year Plan to Address Spotted Lanternfly Concerns
…SLF and minimize its impact through collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies. The strategy prioritizes three main goals. Priorities include effectively limiting SLF advancement, supporting ongoing scientific research, and…
USDA Approves Lab-Grown Chicken
…the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year. Cultured meat, also called cell-based or lab-grown, uses stem cells from animal fat or muscle tissue to feed cells,…
USDA and NASA Team Up to Bolster Research Efforts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are teaming up to advance research efforts. A memorandum of understanding was signed to strengthen ties…
Industry Reps to House Ag: USDA Should Handle Rural Broadband
…Broadband Association “USDA understands rural America like nobody else,” she said. “No other federal agency understands the needs on the ground, and how important connectivity is for rural Americans who,…
FSA County Committees Seeking Nominations by August 1
…are encouraged to serve on committees to help guide the local administration of federal farming programs. “Producers serving on FSA county committees play a critical role in the day-to-day operations…
Citrus Breeding Research Receives Increased Federal Support
…A new citrus breeding program will also be supported by an additional $1 million in federal funding. The House Appropriations Committee included additional funding for citrus research to develop and…