Category Archives: News

USDA has developed new software to help farmers determine the correct time to apply pesticides, fertilizers and water. Phenology Modular Modeling System software allows users to answer questions such as “What is your planting date?” and “How wet was your … Continue reading →

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a statement yesterday in response to a report showing U.S. farm exports reaching an all-time high of $75 billion during the first half of fiscal year 2011. "Today's trade data demonstrate that, once again, America's … Continue reading →

USDA is aiming to change its culture and will embrace recommendations from a two-year study of the agency that looked at the history of discrimination and civil rights failings. “There is a massive effort within USDA to change the culture,” … Continue reading →

Flooding that has enveloped many of the southern states could also put local farmhands out of work and contribute to the rise in food prices. As the Mississippi River crests and begins flooding parts of Mississippi and Louisiana, the waters … Continue reading →

 Show Me Energy Cooperative President Steve Flick meets with Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs Brandon Willis to discuss ways BCAP will improve domestic energy security. Show Me Cooperative is the first company to receive a grant under the BCAP Project … Continue reading →

Researchers along with USDA officials are hoping that perennial forms of corn, wheat, rice and other crops will be the future of farming. The idea of perennial crops would help reduce environmental damage and soil erosion caused by the planting … Continue reading →

Producers and landowners interested in participating in the Biomass Crop Assistance Program have a few weeks left to submit a proposal. BCAP provides incentives to farmers, ranchers and landowners to produce biomass crops for heat, power, biobased products and biofuels. … Continue reading →

Rob Reuteman reported yesterday at CNBC Online that, “Farm subsidies, including billions in direct payments that go to many farmers annually regardless of need, are on everyone’s federal budget chopping block this year. Learn more (FarmPolicy.com)

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation, which helps stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices, released interest rates for May 2011. The borrowing rate-based charge is 0.250, which is unchanged from April 2011, while the 1996 and subsequent crop year … Continue reading →