Milk production in February totaled 14.0 billion pounds, up 2.4 percent from last year, according to a USDA report. A rise in milk prices caused farmers to increase herds and output. Dairy farmers expect to get $18.40 per 100 pounds for all milk this year, compared to $16.29 from last year. Production this year is expected to rise1.7 percent to 196 billion pounds, according to USDA. Read more or view the report (Bloomberg).
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service will discontinue the Dairy Products Prices Annual report beginning next month. The report, which was scheduled to be released April 27, used weekly surveys to compile statistics that primarily determined the fair market value of raw milk. The elimination of the report will reduce the burden on facilities to respond to the weekly survey. Within the next fiscal year, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service will begin handling the Dairy Products Prices survey and report publications. Learn more.
USDA isn’t just talking, but taking action to help Hispanic Americans. The department stepped forward today as Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Sandra V. Serrano of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will build programs and other activities to help further the education of Hispanic Americans and contribute to the commitment of preparing America’s young people to pursue careers in agriculture. Read more (USDA blog).
Scientists at the USDA Agriculture Research Service are examining the use of molasses to stimulate microbial activity and possibly replace methyl bromide — a fumigant used to control pests and pathogens. Methyl bromide has been used by farmers since the 1930s, but has been found to deplete the ozone layer, forcing growers to find other forms of fumigants. Researchers found that by adding a carbon source, such as molasses, to saturated topsoil and covering with a plastic tarp, the tarp “cooks” the weed seeds in the soil and the carbon and water increase microbial activity. Read more.
Second graders in a Jefferson County, Wisc., elementary school were awaken to the realities of agriculture. "When you think of what we get from agriculture you probably think of food, but Wisconsin agriculture is much more," says Tracy Brandel, coordinator of the Jefferson County Ag in the Classroom project. Brandel surprised the students when she told them that corn syrup in their candy, cotton in their shirts and ink in their textbooks all comes from agriculture. Read more (Wisconsin State Farmer).
Story by Joseph Claverie, California FSA
Photos by Candy Moore, Idaho FSA
This month the Farm Service Agency showcased its versatile talent as Idaho FSA State Director Dick Rush entertained students at Owyhee Harbor Elementary school by climbing into a blue panther suit.
“This isn’t my usual attire for work, but the cause justifies the means,” explained Rush. Disguised as the Power Panther and with a large grin, the executive leader informed children that eating a healthy breakfast is important. The Power Panther’s motto is “Eat Smart, Play Hard.”
Farmers and ranchers across the country are being recognized today as part of an annual event that honors them for the part they play in providing food, fiber and fuel to billions of people worldwide. National Ag Day is an event set aside to celebrate the contributions of agriculture in everyday lives. “Agriculture touches everyone’s life in one way or another, yet our farmers and ranchers can often be overlooked for the important job they perform,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a press release. “We should all take time during this day to celebrate the agriculture industry and thank producers for a job well done.” Read more.
USDA has collaborated with the state of Louisiana to improve water quality in the state’s Coastal Prairie Region. The latest Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, known as LA CREP II, will seek to enroll 15,050 acres of land located in the watershed of the Mermentau River Basin area, into the Conservation Reserve Program. Landowners can voluntarily offer eligible cropland in seven parishes — Acadia, Allen, Calcasieu, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis, St. Landry and Vermilion — for a contract period of 14 to 15 years. The program expects to improve water quality and establish, preserve and enhance wildlife habitat. Read more.
A new People’s Garden database, hosted by USDA, will give people across the nation an opportunity to register their gardens and showcase the fruits of their labor on an interactive map. The database will hold information on each garden, list who is involved, where it is located and allow photos to be posted. The People’s Garden initiative was launched in 2009 by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack as a way for people to give back to their communities by planting fruits and vegetables that are donated to schools and food pantries. Learn more.
Producers interested in offering land in an effort to protect millions of acres of topsoil from erosion and improve the nation’s natural resources, can do so beginning today. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the next general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program will open March 14 and continue through April 15. This is the second consecutive year that USDA has offered a general CRP sign-up. Those interested should consult their local Farm Service Agency county office. Learn more or locate an FSA county office.
