More Options, More Markets? USDA Unveils Cotton Initiatives

Southeast Regional Ag News
Cotton producers could gain new flexibility in protecting their crops as USDA works to encourage overseas purchases.

USDA Reorganization Halted and Beef Imports Below Expectations

The Agribusiness Update
A federal judge has ordered the USDA to halt certain office closures and employee relocations tied to its reorganization, and additional beef imports under the President’s temporary tariff-rate quota fell well short of the first monthly target.

U.S. Beef Exports Climb, But China Remains a Challenge

California Ag Today
Strong demand from Taiwan and South Korea boosts August beef export value, while trade barriers continue to weigh on the broader market.

Migration Season and Bird Flu Concerns

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Fall migration is underway and USDA is urging livestock and poultry producers to stay vigilant against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Could More Federal Grazing Be on the Horizon for California Ranchers?

California Ag Today
USDA is revisiting a directive aimed at restoring grazing capacity, and ranchers are being asked to explore what it could mean for their operations.

NRCS Meeting

Idaho Ag Today
NRCS Idaho to hold special State Technical Advisory Committee meeting

Committees Add More Value to National Pork Board, Data Center Bill Blocked

Line on Agriculture
The National Pork Board plans six advisory committees to bring producers and industry partners into its strategic planning. Separately, the U.S. Senate blocked a bill related to selling federal lands for data centers, after reports that the administration considered 17,000 acres for 12 centers.

GOP Pushing Farm Assistance and Rural Mainstreet Index Down

The Agribusiness Update
GOP lawmakers are pushing to attach roughly $11 billion in direct farm assistance to a defense spending package, and rural bankers are growing more concerned about the farm economy as higher fuel and fertilizer costs weigh on producers.

The Poultry Vaccine Science Behind “Turkey Herpes”

California Ag Today
Researchers look to improve recombinant HVT vaccines used against major poultry diseases.

Beef Imports Rise, Grocery Prices Barely Budge

California Ag Today
Three weeks of Farm Bureau data show little change at the meat counter following the White House quota expansion.

GFB's Ag In Classroom Program and Farm Bill Lacks Prop 12 Fix

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program has awarded $500 grants to 10 elementary school teachers, and the National Pork Producers Council welcomed progress on the farm bill, but said lawmakers must address California’s Proposition 12.

Winegrape Heat Challenges and Farm Bill Lacks Prop 12 Fix

The Agribusiness Update
Winegrape growers facing a hotter and more volatile climate may have several ways to protect the value of their vineyards, and the National Pork Producers Council welcomed progress on the farm bill, but said lawmakers must address California’s Proposition 12.

Georgia Tightens Screwworm Safeguards Again

Southeast Regional Ag News
Georgia’s response serves as a reminder for Southeast livestock owners to check requirements before moving animals.

USDA Draws New Line on Dairy Checkoff Spending

California Ag Today
Agriculture Department says producer dollars should focus on strengthening markets.

Georgia Looks to Grow Rural Veterinary Care

Southeast Regional Ag News
Loan repayment program aims to bring veterinarians to communities facing critical shortages.

Specialty Crop Improvements

Fruit Grower Report
Alexis Taylor, chief global policy officer for the International Fresh Produce Association, says specialty crop producers need more demand for their products and help stabilizing the industry against further challenges.

The Beef Isn’t Moving More. It’s Worth More.

Southeast Regional Ag News
July export volume stayed flat while U.S. beef export value gained 6 percent.

More Value, Same Beef

California Ag Today
July beef export volume held steady, but stronger global demand pushed export value higher.

Dairy meeting

Idaho Ag Today
The University of Idaho will host the annual meeting of a national group of dairy economists Sept. 23-24 in Twin Falls. 

Trump EOs Back Ranchers, COOL Needs Congress; 300K MT Beef Imports Will Come Revealed

Line on Agriculture
Executive orders aim to support ranchers but stop short of reinstating mandatory COOL. The National Farmers Union is urging Congress to act, noting a Senate Farm Bill amendment would restore COOL.

In a follow-up, the administration authorized 300,000 metric tons of lower-tariff beef imports over 90 days to ease prices. Now we know where the beef will come from.