Category Archives: News

County Committee Nomination Period Opens Sunday, June 15

Posted on June 11, 2014 by tanya brown

The nomination period for the 2014 county committee elections opens on Sunday, June 15. The nomination period — which runs through Aug. 1 — allows farmers and ranchers to select themselves or others as candidates to sit on the local … Continue reading →

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Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for June

Posted on June 4, 2014 by tanya brown

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation, which helps stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices, released interest rates for June 2014. The borrowing rate-based charge is 0.125, which is unchanged from May 2014, while the 1996 and subsequent crop year … Continue reading →

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Agricultural Exports Expected to Hit a Record High

Posted on June 4, 2014 by tanya brown

Agricultural exports are expected to reach a record high in fiscal year 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Based on the Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade report, exports are expected to reach $149.5 billion, an estimated $6.9 billion … Continue reading →

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Ag Census State & County Profiles Available Now

Posted on June 4, 2014 by tanya brown

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released new 2012 Census of Agriculture profiles for all 50 states, Puerto Rico and more than 3,000 counties across the United States. The census — conducted every five years — is the only time the … Continue reading →

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Tell Your Story & Help the National Museum of American History Preserve Ag Heritage

Posted on May 30, 2014 by tanya brown

The Smithsonian needs your ag-related stories. The American History Museum is seeking out stories from farmers, ranchers, FFA and 4-H members as part of their agricultural heritage archive. Share your experiences or interview a relative about their experiences. Submit a … Continue reading →

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Program to Help Offset Cost for Producers Outside the Contiguous U.S.

Posted on May 30, 2014 by tanya brown

Producers living outside of the contiguous United States can be reimbursed for the costs of transporting agricultural products over long distances. Beginning July 21, farmers and ranchers in Alaska, Hawaii and insular areas including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, … Continue reading →

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Loans, Grants Available to Support Rural Economic Development

Posted on May 28, 2014 by tanya brown

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for loans and grants to support community development projects, business expansion and job creation. Funding is through the USDA Rural Development Intermediary Relending Program and the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. “These USDA … Continue reading →

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BCAP to Resume in the Summer

Posted on May 28, 2014 by tanya brown

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program, known as BCAP will resume this summer. The program — reinstated by the 2014 Farm Bill — helps producers and energy facilities turn renewable biomass materials into clean energy. About $25 million in BCAP funding … Continue reading →

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Drought Not Expected to Ease in May

Posted on May 9, 2014 by tanya brown

The month of May isn’t bringing any improvements to drought-stricken states, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center. According to the agency’s monthly drought outlook, drought conditions will continue from the state of Washington to … Continue reading →

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USDA Announces Funding for Producers to Become Energy Efficient

Posted on May 9, 2014 by tanya brown

Funding is available to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to make energy efficient improvements or install renewable energy systems. Up to $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees is being provided through the USDA Rural Energy … Continue reading →

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