U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Agriculture Department would be barred, under language in a House appropriations bill, from proceeding with proposed marketing regulations opposed by major meatpackers and livestock trade groups.The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved the draft fiscal 2012 spending bill, including the provision, by voice vote on Tuesday. The bill would provide $17.3 billion in discretionary funds to the Agriculture Department, Food and Drug Administration and related agencies, a $2.6 billion cut from fiscal 2011. The measure also includes $108 billion in mandatory funding, almost 3 percent more than in fiscal 2011.The policy rider would bar the Agriculture Department’s Grain Inspection Stockyard and Packers Administration (GIPSA) from producing a regulation requiring meatpackers to report and justify pricing agreements with livestock producers. The proposed rule, unveiled last year, was written in response to a 2008 farm law (PL 110-246) directive to review marketing and competition issues in the livestock industry.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced today that U.S. producers are now eligible to ship a larger array of U.S. beef and beef products to Chile.
Senator calls for better cost-benefit analysis on the rule.
Scientists from USDA developed the tools to mass produce penicillin, which was used for treating wounded soldiers over 70 years ago during World War II.
Due to the uncertainty in markets, University of Minnesota economist is urging dairy farmers to lock in prices now.
According to Pro Farmer’s Jim Wiesemeyer, additional details will be released this week.
USDA is now using premium and supreme hay prices from eight major dairy states in its revised formula.
What are your thoughts on the tariff relief package for agriculture?
U.S. bristles after Canada escalates trade fight at WTO.
Having an Agriculture Secretary with on-the-farm experience has farmers and ranchers eager to see what Sonny Perdue can get done at USDA.
Cornell University dairy economist Andrew Novakovic explains the complex new dairy policy, which the Senate is expected to vote on early this week.
Ever thought about vertically integrating your dairy operation? Now could be your chance.
Per-cow production highest ever for February; California output drops whopping 3.8%.
Milk processors, producer-handlers and a Nevada dairy weigh in.
Weak international prices and the strong dollar will hinder U.S. dairy exports in 2015.
Recent feed and milk prices point to a small pay-out under the new farm bill program.
Feed costs may curb cow numbers, but dairy’s commercial use and exports are projected to climb over the next decade.
USDA also releases 2014 totals, showing which states led in milk production, per-cow output and more.
The state’s dairy producer groups believe a Federal Milk Marketing Order will bring California’s milk prices in line with the rest of the country.
That’s despite recent strength in the futures markets.
Texas, Utah, Michigan help lead U.S. milk production to 3.2% increase over December 2013.
A boost in the Cuban economy would likely also boost U.S. tourism, thereby creating both retail and foodservice sales opportunities.
Farm profitability has driven the shift to larger dairy farms over the past two decades.
Although cow numbers and per-cow output may moderate next year, here’s what will pressure Class III prices down by $5 per cwt.
Colorado, Texas and Kansas show the largest-percentage milk output gains over September 2013, USDA says.
Five new members are seated, and eight are re-appointed for second terms.
Your farm’s margins could differ greatly from national calculations.
Dairy farmers squeezed in recent years by low milk prices and high feed costs can begin signing up next week for a new program replacing old subsidies that didn’t factor in the price of corn.