This week’s program focuses on National Ag Day activities in our nation’s Capitol. In the program you’ll hear from Senator Pat Roberts who made remarks during the Celebration of American Agriculture reception. I also interviewed Isabella Chism, American Farm Bureau Federation, who is the Chair for National Ag Day. Next up is USDA Deputy Secretary, Steve Censky, who spoke prior … Read More
Another Successful Agri-Pulse Summit
The 2019 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit was another success for the best farm policy news team in the free world. The event at the National Press Club featured an all-star line up that started with USDA Chief Economist Rob Johannson, and ended with Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, with Under Secretary … Read More
Secretary Sonny Shines at Commodity Classic
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue visited the 2019 Commodity Classic Friday and addressed most of the major issues being discussed at the big annual meeting of corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum farmers. Perdue talked about the farm economy, farm bill implementation, ethanol, and a lot about trade. He also addressed many of the same issues during a press conference with the … Read More
Perdue Reviews State of Farm Economy
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue appeared before the House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday to update members on the current state of the farm economy and what USDA is doing about it. Implementation of the 2018 farm bill, the Dairy Margin Program, immigration, trade negotiations with China and the new USMCA, were among the many topics that Secretary Perdue addresses. Importantly, … Read More
USDA Tracking Farm Bill Implementation
Now that the federal government is back at work, USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky says they are moving as quickly as possible to implement the new farm bill. During a Farm Foundation Forum on the realities of implementing the 2018 farm bill, Censky said USDA is using a “Fitbit” type of approach to tracking goals. “We have our own ‘FBit’ … Read More
Secretary Sonny Urges Cattle Producers to be Transparent
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue had the opportunity to address about 9,000 cattlemen and women during the closing general session of the Cattle Industry Convention on Friday and challenge them to be transparent and let consumers know what they do to produce beef. “We don’t have anything to be ashamed about in the U.S. beef industry,” said Perdue. “No longer … Read More
USDA Launches ReConnect Program
USDA is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA’s new ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. “High-speed internet e-Connectivity is a necessity, not an amenity, vital … Read More
Former Agriculture Secretaries Meet
Just days after the passing of former Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland, four former secretaries met with current Secretary Sonny Perdue to discuss the latest agricultural issues. Those in attendance included former Secretaries John Block (1981-1986), Dan Glickman (1995-2001), Ann Veneman (2001-2005), and Mike Johanns (2005-2008). The Secretaries discussed several issues including trade, wildfires, agriculture research, infrastructure, cell-based meat, and … Read More
USDA Under Secretary Northey at #ARA2018
Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service Bill Northey discussed trade and a 2018 farm bill, among other topics, during a visit to the 2018 Agricultural Retailers Association convention this week in Boca Raton, Florida. “I’m very hopeful,” said Northey about getting a farm bill by the end of the year, especially after word Thursday from House and Senate … Read More
Agencies to Hold Meeting on Lab Grown Fake Meat
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a joint meeting next month, Oct. 23-24, to discuss the use of cell culture technology to develop products derived from livestock and poultry – better known to producers as lab-grown fake meat. The joint public meeting, hosted by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service … Read More