This year was a pretty tumultuous one for many dairy producers across the country, especially with the way the drought impacted many operations. The USDA needs to get more information so it knows what’s happening on America’s farms. That’s why the 2012 Census of Agriculture forms will be hitting producers’ mailboxes very soon. “The Census of Agriculture will be dropped … Read More
Feeding World in 2050 Addressed by Farm Foundation Blog
How do you feed the expected world population of 9 billion people by the year 2050? Our friends at Farm Foundation are taking on that challenging question, hopefully with some good answers through their new blog, AgChallenge2050.org. “It’s an opportunity for more people to be involved in the conversation,” said Mary Thompson, Farm Foundation’s Vice President, Communications, adding there are … Read More
Farmer Poll Favors Romney
A poll for election day shows a significant majority of farmers say they are voting Romney over Obama for president, and most blame Democrats for failure to pass a new farm bill. The Agri-Pulse Farm and Rural Poll released today found that 78 percent of farmers polled are voting for Mitt Romney in the presidential election. On November 1, 2012, … Read More
Farm Foundation to Hold Post-Election Forum
While all elections are important, this year’s promises to have some real implications for rural America. That’s why Farm Foundation is holding a forum about a week after the polls close, and we know WHO is in office to explain WHAT they might do as as far as agriculture, food and rural policy, including what it all might mean for … Read More
Elimination of Dairy Market Stabilization Program Defeated
An amendment that would have eliminated the market stabilization program for milk pricing in the current Farm Bill has been defeated. Lawmakers in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee this morning debated the measure proposed by Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia) and David Scott (D-Georgia), which would provide a safety net for dairy producers without requiring them to participate in a supply … Read More
Idaho Congressman Joins Dairy Reform Effort
Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) has joined the effort in the U.S. House to reform dairy programs. Simpson is the lead Republican proponent of discussion draft legislation released by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Colin Peterson (D-MN) earlier this month. The draft language is based on reform proposals put forward by the dairy industry. “I look forward to working with members of … Read More
Study Looks at Adopting California Milk Standards
A new report from the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri (FAPRI-MU) has analyzed the impact of adopting the current California fluid milk standards throughout the U.S. The study was done at the request of the four co-chairmen of the Congressional Dairy Farmer Caucus – Congressman Joe Courtney of Connecticut (D), Congressman Timothy Walz of … Read More
Farm Bill Hearing to Focus on Dairy Policy
Looking ahead to 2012, the House Agriculture Committee will be holding its first farm bill hearing Tuesday in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the focus will be on federal dairy policy. The Dairy Policy Action Coalition (DPAC) reports that dairy producers around the surrounding area will be attending the hearing and they are urging all dairy farmers to attend and “show support … Read More
Ohioans For Humane Farms Files Petition
I guess I’m not shocked that HSUS has pulled this bait and switch on Ohio voters. While stepping aside to let Ohio farmers pass the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, our friends at HSUS are now campaigning to make sure that board pushes their agendas forward, which include: abolishing meat, dairy and eggs from the American diet and putting farmers … Read More
USDA Implements Program to Help Dairy Producers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the implementation of the new Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment (DELAP) program. The 2010 Agricultural Appropriations Bill authorized $290 million for loss assistance payments to eligible dairy producers. “Through this program, eligible dairy producers will receive economic assistance that will help stabilize their operations during these tough economic times,” said Vilsack. “I have personally … Read More