The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has released statements in response to two recently proposed policy changes related to animal welfare, and has called upon producers to take action against them, and in defense of the American farmers that could be seriously affected by the legislation. NPPC is encouraging pork producers to weigh in on the new organic animal welfare … Read More
Dairy Groups Support Senate on GMO Labeling Decision
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) thanked members of the United States Senate for approving a cloture motion today that will set up a final vote on legislation for a federal, uniform labeling system for foods produced using biotechnology. The final vote is expected to take place by Friday afternoon. The legislation was negotiated by Sens. Pat Roberts (R-KS) and … Read More
Quarterly Hogs & Pigs Report
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) published their Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report and as of June 1, there were 68.4 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up 2 percent from June 2015, and up 1 percent from March 1, 2016. Other key findings in the report were: – Of the 68.4 million hogs and … Read More
Poultry Farmer Stands Up for Contract Growers
Eric Hedrick, contract poultry farmer, joined with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA), and the Government Accountability Project (GAP) to deliver his petition, signed by 62,346 concerned advocates, urging Congress to allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to finalize rules protecting the rights of contract farmers like himself. “I took a major risk … Read More
Finger Millet Saves Water in Dairy Production
As the sustained increase in dairy production throughout the Southern High Plains region of West Texas and New Mexico continues to stretch the area’s Ogallala Aquifer beyond capacity, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have looked to the efforts of Indian cattle farmers for an attempt to lower the area’s water usage. The potential solution involves replacing corn silage and … Read More
Extended Comment Period for Organic Livestock & Poultry Rule
U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committee leadership announced the USDA granted their request for an extension of the public comment period for the agency’s proposed rule regarding revised organic livestock and poultry production standards. “We are pleased the USDA acted immediately to allow producers, consumers, retailers and animal health experts more time to offer their comments on the proposed rules,” … Read More
NPPC Update on Trademark Lawsuit, WOTUS & Trade
As the policy arm for the U.S. pork sector, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has a number of hot button issues impacting the industry as we speak. During the 2016 World Pork Expo, NPPC President, John Weber, sat down with me to give an update on the Pork The Other White Meat lawsuit, Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and … Read More
USDA Launches 2016 Ag Resource Management Survey
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is beginning to collect data from more than 100,000 farmers and ranchers, for its annual Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). The survey looks at all aspects of U.S. agricultural production, including farm financial well-being, chemical usage, and various farm characteristics. ARMS is a joint effort of NASS and USDA’s Economic Research Service. The … Read More
U.S. Beef Arrives in Reopened South African Market
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that the first shipment of U.S. beef recently arrived in South Africa following the reopening of the South African market earlier this year. “The arrival of U.S. beef in South Africa represents another important milestone in efforts by USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to regain access to this important … Read More
USDA Awards $16.5 Million In Research Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $16.5 million in research grants to universities that are pursuing methods of boosting agriculture productivity and ensuring food security in the face of pests, diseases, and a changing climate. USDA is also seeking applications for the next round of projects, which will focus on pollinator health and plant and animal phenomics. The … Read More