Month: February 2020

Water reuse may become part of USDA programs   As part of an administration initiative, the USDA will consider including reused water, also known as recycled or reclaimed water, in its land stewardship and community development programs. “Water reuse is going to be how agriculture continues to increase productivity while… Continue reading

USDA to ease rules on hemp labs and destroying ‘hot’ crops   The government will allow farmers to destroy “hot” hemp fields themselves, rather than having to hire a contractor to do it, and will expand the number of laboratories that can test industrial hemp for THC levels, said Agriculture… Continue reading

‘Public charge’ rule chills nutrition program enrollment among immigrants   Across the country, fear and confusion about the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule has prompted immigrants and their families to drop out or stay out of pubic nutrition programs, even when they are eligible, said immigrant and anti-hunger groups.  … Continue reading

If exports rise, farmers won’t need trade aid, says Perdue   U.S. AG exports have gained limited traction from President Trump’s ballyhooed trade victories, but Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is optimistic that demand will improve. “I hope we can show that a third round [of trade war payments] is not… Continue reading

Trump intrudes on spring planting for second year in a row   Besides weighing potential market prices against the cost of fuel, fertilizer and seeds, farmers have a new factor for their planting decisions: Will it assure them of a trade war payment? President Trump’s suggestion that if his trade… Continue reading

To meet goals, China will be ‘ramping up’ U.S. ag purchases, says Perdue   Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said he believes China will meet the goals of the “phase one” trade agreement, although the USDA’s new estimate of sales — $14 billion this fiscal year — is only one-third of… Continue reading

Trump orders more San Joaquin Valley water into farms, California cities   During a visit Wednesday to California’s Central Valley, President Trump announced the completion of a regulatory review that will send more water from the San Joaquin Valley to farms and cities in the southern half of California. Environmentalists… Continue reading

Soy mania among U.S. farmers a risk, even if China makes large purchases   If farmers rush into soybeans this spring, they could produce too much of the oilseed even if China, as required under the “phase one” agreement, makes large purchases of agricultural exports, according to a university economist…. Continue reading

Larger soybean and cotton plantings due to trade deal?   The “phase one” trade agreement with Beijing will bring larger U.S. plantings of soybeans and cotton this spring than now projected by USDA, as growers aim for revived exports to China, analysts said over the weekend.   Jury orders Monsanto,… Continue reading

Fascinating Facts about President’s Day and the Agriculture Connection   Did you know the story behind President’s Day? President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. The holiday was originally Washington’s Birthday and his birthday is February 22nd. Then in 1971 the holiday became President’s Day. States are… Continue reading