Farm bill priorities: More stewardship, less reliance on subsidies The 2023 farm bill should eliminate wasteful subsidies to the biggest farmers and landowners in favor of programs that reach more producers at a lower cost, said a coalition of budget hawks, a consumer group and a small-farm advocacy organization in… Continue reading
U.S. disaster payments are needed, say organic livestock producers Abnormally high feed costs, partly the result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are ruining organic livestock producers and federal relief payments are vital to keep farmers in business, said organic trade groups and businesses. “A perfect storm of trade disruptions, international… Continue reading
Farmland values gallop higher despite interest rate increases Strong commodity prices are creating opportunities for U.S. farmers to profit despite the risks posed by drought and higher production costs, said the Ag Finance Update by the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. Bird flu losses break record A record 50.54 million… Continue reading
In many parts of the United States, fall harvest is beginning to wind down. With only 5% of the corn crop and 4% of the soybean crop still standing it looks like harvest will be over for a majority of farmers, just in time for Thanksgiving. Every year on the… Continue reading
In California’s Central Valley, Valadao prevails in race for Congress California dairy farmer David Valadao, one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump, defeated Democratic state legislator Rudy Salas for a fifth term in the House representing the agriculture-rich Central Valley, according to unofficial results. The victory… Continue reading
‘No fowl play’ as Biden pardons Thanksgiving turkeys In a traditional moment of White House whimsy ahead of Thanksgiving, President Biden pardoned tom turkeys “Chocolate” and “Chip” on Monday. An outbreak of bird flu has driven up turkey prices and crimped supplies for the holiday season. After poor start, little… Continue reading
Farm bill proposal: Strengthen subsidy limits, boost land stewardship With its toothless payment limits, the U.S. farm program directs billions of dollars a year to the largest and wealthiest farmers in America while struggling family farmers often are overlooked, said the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. It called for farm bill… Continue reading
House task force pushes for climate action in 2023 farm bill A House task force on climate and agriculture, led by Democratic Reps. Chellie Pingree of Maine and Kim Schrier of Washington State, released a report Thursday recommending policies for the 2023 farm bill to make it as climate-friendly as… Continue reading
‘We need action’ by Senate on farm labor reform’ With congressional adjournment on the horizon, a parade of farmers, food processors, and lawmakers called on the Senate on Wednesday to get to work on legislation to give legal status to undocumented farmworkers and streamline the H-2A guestworker program. The House… Continue reading
USDA prepares more disaster and pandemic aid Two USDA programs will dispense aid based on a farmer’s revenue losses from natural disasters or the pandemic, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Tuesday. “These new programs apply a holistic approach to emergency assistance — an approach not focused on any one… Continue reading
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