The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation released its initial fiscal year 2012 overall sugar marketing allotment (OAQ) of 9,456,250 short tons, raw value (STRV). The OAQ is equal to 85 percent of the estimated human consumption for the crop year of 11,125,000 STRV as forecasted in the July 2011 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. Learn more.

The ongoing drought that has seared the entire state of Texas has led to a record $5.2 billion in agricultural losses, according to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The previous record set in 2006 saw a $4.1 billion loss. Texas farmers were unable to cash in on the high commodity prices this year while cattle ranchers culled herds at historic rates and paid high prices for supplemental feed. Livestock losses include the increased cost of feeding due to lack of pastures and ranges and market losses,” Anderson said. “Market losses include the impact of fewer pounds sold per calf and the impact of lower market prices due to the large number of cattle sold in a very short time period. ”Read more (AgriLife Today).

The Office of Personnel Management extended vacancy announcements for several days after the USA Staffing system went down last week, losing job applications and hindering job seekers from applying. All vacancy announcements that closed between Aug. 7 and Aug. 10 were extended to Aug. 15, giving some applicants a chance to reapply. OPM notified applicants who were affected by the outage. Read more (Federal Times).

Farmers wondering why they have to report acreage and crop information to multiple agencies may soon be getting a reprieve. USDA is working on a process to standardize information that must be reported to the Farm Service Agency, Rural Development and Natural Resources Conservation Service. In theory, the new service will allow farmers to make one report that multiple agencies can access. Listen to more.

by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

America’s farmers are among our nation’s first and finest conservationists.  And at USDA, we support their work to protect natural landscapes by improving water and air quality, and preserving wildlife habitat, forests and soil. This work is also helps drive economic growth and creates jobs – particularly in rural communities. Farmers taking steps to help the environment can improve their bottom line.  And maintaining the health of American landscapes supports an outdoor recreation industry worth $730 billion to our nation’s economy each year – and supports millions of jobs.  Recreational activities on the USDA-managed national forests and grasslands alone contribute $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Read the Weekly Report.

USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director for Tennessee Gene Davidson (right) and Brian Murphy, Chief Executive Officer for Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that renews the agreement concerning the conservation, habitat restoration, enhancement and management of the white-tailed deer. The agreement — signed during the QDMA’s 10th Annual National Convention in Nashville —  includes the delivery of information and educational materials, development of outreach and promotional items, collaboration on research, development of habitat restoration and management techniques and transfer and dissemination of technology. QDMA will offer technical assistance to farmers and ranchers participating in conservation programs as well as state foresters and state fish and wildlife agency personnel.

USDA will reallocate 153,972 acres available through a Conservation Reserve Program initiative to support the conservation and restoration of important habitat for lesser prairie chickens, sage and sharp-tailed grouse, and other grassland, sage or prairie-dependent species. The State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program will have project areas in Arkansas Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, Tennessee and Texas. “Through our conservation programs, USDA is committed to restoring habitat for wildlife and preserving our natural resources and outdoor traditions for future generations to enjoy,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Read more.