Category Archives: News

Muddy fields and a never-ending winter have farmers in the Midwest concerned that they may not get their corn and soybean crops planted in time. One agriculture economist said it is too early to worry, but farmers are sweating as … Continue reading →

Programs to assist crop and livestock producers who have suffered damage due to flooding, wildfires and tornadoes are available through the Farm Service Agency. “We encourage all who have suffered a disaster due to the recent severe weather conditions to … Continue reading →

Rice growers produced 23.2 billion pounds of rice last year, breaking the overall crop-growing record. According to a report by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, growers surpassed the previous record of 23.2 billion pounds set in 2004. The U.S. … Continue reading →

Black plastic cylinders hanging from utility poles could soon be the norm in rural America. The tubes were distributed free to farmers in Illinois and contain detailed computer-generated maps of each farm, the precise locations for flammable chemicals and fuels, … Continue reading →

A mix of wet and dry weather is delaying planting from the Midwest to the southern states, according USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

USDA got it right in its April 8 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates by changing the reporting category that identifies how corn is being used for ethanol. When the department first began reporting corn used for ethanol in 2004, … Continue reading →

As the world celebrates Earth Day, one Washington farmer is going about his daily routine — a routine that makes everyday Earth Day. “I’m a farmer,” said Jim Werkhoven, who farms about 800 acres and owns 1,000 dairy cows. “So … Continue reading →

USDA is seeking public comment as it reviews existing programs, including Farm Service Agency programs, to determine if they should be modified, streamlined or repealed in order to improve access. The department is focusing on areas where it can decrease the reporting … Continue reading →

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

County loan rates for the 2011 crops of wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, soybeans and other oilseeds have been announced. The rates are: $2.94 per bushel for wheat; $1.95 per bushel for corn; $1.95 per bushel for grain sorghum; … Continue reading →