Tag Archives: USDA

USDA Invests $25 Million for Agricultural Entrepreneurs to Turn Commodities into Value-Added Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $25 million to help 247 businesses nationwide expand their operations and bring new products to market. The funding is provided through USDA’s Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant program that helps agricultural producers grow … Continue reading

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New Measures Announced to Enhance U.S.-Africa Trade

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined President Obama, members of Congress and other U.S. government officials this week to welcome African heads of state and government leaders for the first ever African Leaders Summit. During the summit, Vilsack announced four new … Continue reading

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USDA Implements Key Farm Bill Crop Insurance Provision

The U.S. Department of Agriculture this week announced continued progress in implementing provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill that will strengthen and expand insurance coverage options for farmers and ranchers. The new Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), available through the federal … Continue reading

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Commodity Credit Corporation Releases Lending Rates for August

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

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U.S. Cattle Industry Down 3 Percent

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recorded the lowest number of cattle on U.S. farms since 1973. In a report issued this week, only 95.0 million head of cattle were reported to be on U.S. farms as of July 1. This … Continue reading

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USDA Selects 36 Energy Facilities to Accept Biomass Deliveries

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has selected 36 energy facilities in 14 states to accept biomass deliveries supported by the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). Farmers, ranchers or foresters who harvest and deliver forest or agricultural residues to a BCAP-qualified … Continue reading

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StrikeForce Takes Lead in Georgia

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USDA Seeks Input for 2017 Census of Agriculture

Suggestions on what to change and how to improve the 2017 Census of Agriculture is being requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “This is the perfect time to ask for suggestions since the 2012 data are fresh on our … Continue reading

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From Battleground to Breaking Ground

Veterans are returning from battle and finding peace working the land. “In war, you see the worst sides of people, the worsts parts of humanity. So it feels good to see so much life, to see the cycle of life … Continue reading

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Loans, Grants Available to Support Rural Economic Development

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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