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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins testified in front of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, fielding questions on everything from USDA’s bold budget cuts and frozen funding to the fate of the nearly $21 billion in disaster aid.
For many service members’ transition to civilian life, the journey is not just about finding a job, but rather discovering a community that values their unique skills and experiences.
“Don’t panic,” says independent crop consultant Steve Hoffman with In-Depth Agronomy. “This is going to be a gradual phase in, and I know it’s definitely adding complexity.”
The forecast for May is pointing to a rapid warm up with rains across the drought-stricken Plains, but there’s a drier forecast for the heart of the Corn Belt. One meteorologist is concerned about the amount of dryness entering the picture.
The agency plans to cut staff to Reagan administration levels and shift research to office run by political appointees. Advocacy groups are concerned about scientific independence.
One farmer who was chased out of fields by rain this past weekend told Farm Journal, “This is the wettest drought I have ever seen.” There are some silver linings, though: soil-applied herbicides are being activated, the U.S. corn crop won’t all pollinate the same week and you have time to make stand counts where the crop has emerged.
Accounting for about 15% of USDA’s total workforce and representing FSA, NRCS, FSIS, APHIS and other departments, 3,877 staff signed contracts in February for the first deferred resignation program and 11,305 in the second round in April.
The stakes are high with the latest trade war. While the risks of losing more market share into China are a concern, the upside potential of a trade deal with China could be monumental.
To be eligible for the spring workforce window, employers must begin the H-2 application process by June 1.
“UAN is easily the most important topic right now,” says Josh Linville at StoneX. “That is because it is no longer a price story—it’s a ‘can you even find it supply story.’”
A pair of Canadians in farming weigh in on the country’s latest election results and the implications for agriculture sectors like the dairy industry and farm equipment manufacturing.
Agriculture is an export dependent business. At peak uncertainty, the industry could go either way: Gain ground with new trade deals or take a big hit as exports further decline.
Regarding technology, the data-driven solutions seeker, wants a retailer who is on the leading edge of technology including precision ag along with assistance on interpretation of field-level data.
Dozens of speakers told EPA and the Corps that ag has borne the brunt of unclear, inconsistent regulations for too long.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on a tour of Texas, including a stop at a family farm. USDA says the trip focused on food security and learning how farmers are working to make America healthy again.
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Suicide and mental health concerns continue to increase on farms and ranches. Watch for signs, be proactive and provide support to those struggling in your community.
Analyzing both old and new growth, a sap test measures nutrient levels in the plant’s vascular tissues to identify current and soon-to-occur deficiencies.
The regulations are a response by EPA to enforce the Endangered Species Act at the agency level rather than through litigation and the court system.
Following the announcement that criminal charges against Charles and Heather Maude were being dropped, USDA asks any other individuals or businesses to submit their concerns and experiences so the agency can address their situation.
Vietnam has a 100 million people and a growing middle class looking to add protein to their diet. With limited soybean crushing capacity, the country currently depends on soybean meal imports for their livestock and aquaculture feed needs.
State-level commenters highlight the need for cooperative federalism and the importance of flexibility during EPA listening session.
The Department of Commerce will now issue and announce the final duty rates on the imported products.
Despite wet weather, farmers are making serious progress with planting. Here’s an update on how the season is shaping up in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.
U.S. officials and lawmakers have complained that Mexico’s failure to meet its obligations under the treaty is harming Texas farmers. Mexico has argued that it is under drought conditions that have strained the country’s water resources.
Here are five takeaways from the latest semi-annual report, including the top tariff fronts to watch for impact to fertilizer prices.
Total Farm Marketing’s Naomi Blohm says based on her research, corn growers will likely have an opportunity to lock in better corn prices over the next few months.
USDA’s latest crop progress report puts the country at 24% of corn and 18% of soybeans in the ground. Farmers are sharing timely rains and great conditions to start the season.
GDUs offer a more reliable method to predict corn emergence and development than using calendar days, according to yield champions David Hula and Randy Dowdy. They also offer their pro tip on how to assess planting and germination depth.
All ARA members, including those already using Bushel, can schedule payments for renewal or pay instantly.