Latest News From U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA says genetic sequencing revealed the mystery illness impacting Texas dairies is the same strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) that's been in the U.S. The virus is carried by wild waterfowl.

USDA NASS has released the 2022 Census of Agriculture data, which revealed important information about the current state of agriculture.

On Monday, February 5 the news of Bill Northey’s passing quickly spread through the agriculture industry, of which he dedicated his professional life to serving.

AgWeb and Trust In Food’s beta Climate-Smart Opportunity Navigator is matching producers with Climate-Smart Commodities grants tailored to their operation.

COP28's decision to not include food and agriculture as a way to meet climate goals was influenced by a request from the G77 group of developing countries for additional review related to agriculture and food.

 Some Republican House and Senate members have expressed their concerns to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, particularly regarding the new payment formula used for ERP in 2022.

As USDA prepares to release the July beef cattle inventory report, the Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor forecasts only a small reduction year-over-year. If the forecast holds true, it could put a damper on cattle prices. 

USDA looks to improve the future measure, monitoring, reporting and verification of ag climate emissions via a $300 million investment announced on Wednesday.

Even with rains sweeping the Northern Corn Belt last weekend, the latest drought monitor shows drought continues to spread across Illinois with D2 (Severe Drought) taking a 28-point jump in a week.

According to USDA, Russian-speaking hackers are the likely suspects. The Office of Personnel Management and two organizations within the Department of Energy also were apparently targeted or breached.

Lenders In the hearing seemed to agree on a boost to lending limits in USDA guaranteed loans as lawmakers ready for the next farm bill.

According to USDA, this funding was made available to help struggling rural communities “recover economically” and offer more market opportunities, improve infrastructure and protect farmland.

This round is for those who were delinquent on a direct loan as of Sept. 2020, restricted a loan after Feb. 2020 through FSA, or those who owe more interest on a direct loan than the level of the principal.

The comment period on a proposal to amend the animal disease traceability regulations and require EID for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison has been extended 30 days, USDA APHIS announced.

Sixty projects have been awarded $15.8 million by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to focus on the nation’s response and control to animal disease outbreaks.

To put cover crop investments in motion, NRCS would draw on federal, state and private conservationists to hire “thousands” of employees for rural America.

Closing the meat labeling "loophole," Justin Tupper with the United States Cattlemen's Association shares his thoughts on the recent USDA update to voluntary labeling standards and what it means for cattle producers.

"The prioritization of resource concerns must be left to the local level where producers decide how they can best address their unique and varied landscapes and needs," said Sen. John Boozman.

“It’s a mystery as to why the USDA began to hide the names of many recipients,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs for the Environmental Working Group.

Vilsack said USDA believes there are more options for farmers other than “get big or get out. There’s got to be a system in which the many and most have a fair shot.”

Farm Bureau's Duvall says the rule puts farmers and ranchers in a position where they will have to hire lawyers and consultants to establish the boundaries of farming.

Under the rule, APHIS would require tags that are both visually and electronically readable for interstate movement of cattle and bison six months after a final rule is published in the Federal Register.

ERP Phase Two is likely to be announced by USDA in coming weeks, according to Jim Wiesemeyer. In a farm bill year, he says there might be more opportunities to capture additional profit.

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Alexis Taylor for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. According to Taylor, her priorities include addressing export markets and food insecurity.

Soybean oil, food waste and leftover feedstocks and manure will be turned into bioproducts like asphalt and plastic, thanks to a USDA program aimed at increasing U.S. competition in global markets.

Funding will be drawn from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), a development that has caught lawmakers’ attention.

Data released by USDA on Monday shows the farm share of the U.S. food dollar hit an all-time low in 2021. However, USDA says the decrease doesn’t necessarily mean producers are making less.

If Upside gets USDA approval next, the company said it could start pumping out 50,000 pounds of “no-kill” meat products every year.

Livestock industry groups, R-CALF USA and the NPPC, sit on opposite sides of the fence regarding the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s proposed changes to indemnity regulations.

USDA announced on Tuesday a $24 million investment to “teach and train” beginning farmers and ranchers through NIFA's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP).

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) applauds USDA's investments the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) aiming to increase options for producers and promote competition.

USDA Secretary Vilsack announces $200 million to increase competition across the economy through expansion of meat and poultry processing capacity, aiming to lower costs for Americans and strengthen the supply chain.

Funding designated for Tribal Nations and organizations in animal disease preparedness and response activities was announced by USDA APHIS on Tuesday.

USDA seeks input on how to identify those who experienced discrimination and what kind of evidence should be submitted to back up the claims.

The Virginia farmers filing the suit allege repeal of the debt relief effort is a breach of contract by the government, arguing some farmers made financial plans based on the expectation of getting debt relief.

USDA says the organizations were selected for their proven track records working with farmworkers, meatpacking workers, and grocery workers. The funds amount to $600 per person and will be dispersed in the fall.

A pandemic-era program that provided free breakfast and lunch to all schoolchildren expired this year. Republicans voted against efforts to include free school meals this week. Biden's plan reinstates the program.

The National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health released on Tuesday will cover everything from a congressional push for $15 per hour minimum wage to research in soil management impacts on human health.

Approximately 87,383 lb. of various ready-to-eat meat products, processed at Behrmann Meat and Processing Inc., in Albers, Ill., may contain Listeria monocytogenes, according to the USDA FSIS.

President Richard Nixon hosted the last White House Conference on Food, Nutrition and Health in 1969. That confab led to expansions of the food stamp program, the school lunch program and WIC.

When adjusted for inflation, 2022 net cash farm income is forecast to increase by $13.5 billion (8.7%) from 2021 and be at its highest level since 2012.

The production of cell cultured meat or alternative proteins will soon receive federal oversight from three agencies. Betsy Jibben with AgDay has the story.

The production of cell cultured meat or alternative proteins will soon receive federal oversight from three agencies. Betsy Jibben with AgDay has the story.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) hasn’t released its November numbers past October due to the government shutdown. If they’re anything like October’s numbers, then they could be record-shattering.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) hasn’t released its November numbers past October due to the government shutdown. If they’re anything like October’s numbers, then they could be record-shattering.

State cattlemen’s groups and national organizations representing beef producers shared their concerns with lab-grown meat labeling and safety to two government agencies.

Two cattlemen’s organizations are debating what to call lab-grown “meat,” and within that debate is who should regulate the emerging product and possible competitor to beef.

“NCBA is extremely disappointed this final audit report was not released in time for a full review, prior to the comment deadline on the proposed rule,” said Bob McCan, NCBA president and Victoria, Texas cattleman.