Support Farmers Markets and Net Income Higher
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins is encouraging Americans to continue supporting local producers following National Farmers Market Week.
Rollins signed a proclamation recognizing the role farmers markets play in creating marketing opportunities for producers, strengthening rural communities, and connecting consumers with fresh, American-grown food.
USDA says farmers markets give consumers greater access to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and other farm-raised goods.
**The Farm Credit System reports net income of $2.2 billion for the second quarter, up from $1.9 billion during the same period last year.
For the first half of the year, the system reported $4.3 billion in earnings, compared with $3.9 billion a year ago.
Farm Credit’s net interest income increased more than 7% during both the quarter and first half of the year, driven largely by higher average earning assets.
**A top USDA official says investigations into possible anticompetitive practices among agricultural input manufacturers could lead to formal action soon.
Agri-Pulse reports Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden says the USDA is working with the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission on ongoing reviews involving companies in fertilizer, farm equipment, seeds, and chemicals.
He says civil and criminal investigations are underway, but final decisions will come from DOJ and FTC officials.
