Corn Belt will likely see planting delays, according to one USDA expert

Secretary Vilsack Underscores Priorities for USDA to House Agriculture Committee

In a hearing before the House Agriculture Committee, Secretary Vilsack highlighted the importance of climate investments, efforts to better support underserved producers, the need for increased staffing at USDA, and how funds allocated through the IRA will address conservation backlogs for farmers across the nation.

Avoid crop insurance ‘add ons’ in farm bill, say analysts

Congress should act directly to include goals such as climate mitigation in the farm bill rather than resort to crop insurance, says two analysts.

NDA backs bill expanding capital for YBS producers - Brownfield Ag News

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is supporting a bill that would reduce barriers and increase access to capital for young, beginning and small farmers. Director Sherry Vinton says the bill raises the limit on assets that a beginning farmer can have while still qualifying for loans and tax credits. “This would be a big thing […]

USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers and Communities Affected by Tornado in Mississippi

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that assistance is available for communities and agricultural producers affected by the severe weather and tornado that tore through Mississippi on March 25. “My thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones in the terrible tornadoes in Mississippi and with the communities who must rebuild their homes and businesses,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Alongside our federal partners, USDA is ready to provide assistance to those impacted by these storms.”

Small, Young and Urban Farmers Don't Know Where to Turn at USDA

While USDA has started to set up some pilot urban farming programs in cities around the country, a visit to a couple of farmers' markets in Richmond, Virginia, found a mix of full-time urban farmers who wouldn't know where to start when it comes to signing up for a USDA program. Some groups are pushing for more support for urban agriculture in the next farm bill.

CropLife Retail Week: Vilsack Speech Highlights, Railroad Merger Approval, and Fun with Numbers

Eric Sfiligoj and Lara Sowinski discuss the Secretary of Ag’s recent talk at Commodity Classic, a railroad merger, and a Fun with Numbers involving billions of dollars.

$95 million grant signed launching Farmers for Soil Health initiative  - Brownfield Ag News

Ag and wildlife groups are partnering with the USDA to launch the Farmers for Soil Health initiative.  Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says it will advance the use of soil health practices by utilizing cover crops.  “They expect and anticipate to use this resource that we’re providing to impact 1 million acres across 20 states,” he […]

USDA Announces Cost-Share Assistance for Grain Storage

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that producers in counties affected by eligible disaster events can apply for cost-share assistance through the Emergency Gra