WTO Challenge Sought On India Rice, Wheat Subsidies
American rice and wheat producers are operating at a “clear disadvantage compared to their competitors, primarily from India,” where the government is subsidizing more than half of the value of production for rice and wheat, instead of the 10% allowable under World Trade Organization rules, according to a letter from 18 senators. As a result, the senators asked Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to pursue a WTO case against India’s domestic support for rice and wheat production.
Read More
Ag Policy Highs & Lows In 2021
Everyone was glad to see 2020 in the rearview mirror, as expectations were high coming into 2021. But it’s been a rollercoaster ride with some of the highs and lows on the ag policy front for the year. Here’s a closer look.
Read More
USDA Expands Partnerships For Conservation Through Its Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is leveraging its authorities under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to bring in new types of partners and ultimately expand opportunities in voluntary conservation for the Nation’s agricultural producers and private landowners. In direct response to feedback from state agencies, Tribes, non-profits and other groups, USDA has updated CREP’s rule regarding matching fund requirements, and invested in additional staff to work directly with partners for streamlined, partner-driven conservation efforts.
Read More
Check Your Mail: USDA to Conduct Study About Ag Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducts many studies and research projects to find out more information about our nation’s producers. This month, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the 2021 Farm Producer Study to improve knowledge and understanding of agricultural producers and help USDA improve services to them.
Read More
USDA Surveying Sheep & Goat Operations
Starting in late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will measure sheep and goat inventories and wool and mohair production during a nationwide survey.
Read More
USDA Surveying Cattle Operations
In January, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey about 41,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories.
Read More
USDA Surveys Bee & Honey Operations
In December, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will reach out to United States bee and honey producers to collect information for its Quarterly Colony Loss survey. This survey measures colony losses to determine the stability of the regional bee population and helps monitor health of those hives.
Read More
USDA Surveying Catfish Operations
In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey catfish operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. catfish inventories, sales, and water acreage used for production.
Read More
USDA Program to Unlock $1 Billion for Meat & Poultry Processors
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is deploying $100 million under the new Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program to make available nearly $1 billion in loan guarantees; these loan guarantees will back private investment in processing and food supply infrastructure that will strengthen the food supply chain for the American people.
Read More
USDA Sees Lower Sugar Supply in 2021-22
The US Department of Agriculture in its Dec. 9 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report lowered from November its estimate of 2020-21 and 2021-22 US sugar ending stocks and stocks-to-use ratios with the current year reductions mainly due to lower production in Louisiana.
Read More
Louisiana Crop Production Report
United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service Louisiana Crop Production Released: December 9, 2021.
Read More
USDA Launches Loan Guarantee Program To Create More Market Opportunities
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced USDA is deploying $100 million under the new Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program to make available nearly $1 billion in loan guarantees; these loan guarantees will back private investment in processing and food supply infrastructure that will strengthen the food supply chain for the American people.
Read More
Vilsack Says USDA & White House Close To Deal On Biofuel Aid
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the administration appeared “very close” to releasing a long-promised $700 million in pandemic aid to biofuel producers. The aid was announced in March as part of a remodeling of coronavirus relief programs by the incoming administration.
Read More
USDA Issues Final Pandemic Payments For Timber Harvesters & Haulers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin issuing final pandemic assistance payments to timber harvesters and timber hauling businesses through the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) program starting next week. In total, $200 million will be provided to loggers and log trucking businesses who experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 through Dec. 1, 2020, compared to the period of Jan. 1 through Dec. 1, 2019. This support is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
Read More
Agricultural Resource Management Survey
Please respond to USDA interviewers who may call before January 14, 2022, to help you complete the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS), asking about production practices data from rice producers. Your response helps ensure you are represented. This portion of the survey asks questions about fertilizer, pesticide, cropping practice, and technology management.
Read More
