Tag Archives: USDA
TAHC issues African swine fever animal health alert
In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed African swine fever (ASF) was found in samples collected from pigs in the Dominican Republic. Just a hop from the Dominican Republic to Cuba, a skip from Cuba to Florida and ASF could jump into the U.S. pork supply chain—with no vaccine or cure in sight. But USDA and the Department of Homeland Security are committed to working closely together to protect U.S. swine from ASF. And the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is committed to protecting the health and marketability of… Read More →
Steady heifer retention to slow cattle inventory contraction
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its semiannual Cattle report on Jan. 29. The total number of cattle and calves on Jan. 1, 2021, was estimated at 93.6 million head, nearly 200,000 head lower than the previous year. This marks a second year of contraction for cattle producers. Despite the number of beef cows declining for a second year, beef cattle producers are indicating their intentions to retain slightly more heifers for beef cow replacement, and the number of those heifers expected to calve during the… Read More →
Sept. 30 deadline to update farm safety net crop yields
Farm owners have a one-time opportunity to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. The deadline is Sept. 30, 2020, to update yields, which are used to calculate the PLC payments for 2020 through 2023. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials also encourage farmers who elected Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) to consider updating their yields. Cited from and for more information click on the link below. https://texasfarmbureau.org/deadline-approaches-to-update-safety-net-program-crop-yields/ mailto:greg.baker@ag.tamu.edu
USDA launches CFAP direct payment signup details
Farmers and ranchers can begin enrolling next week for $16 billion in direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Signup will start on May 26 at local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. CFAP will provide direct relief to farmers and ranchers who have suffered a 5 percent or greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. Cited from… Read More →
Signup for COVID-19 relief payments could begin soon
The White House Office of Management and Budget on Friday, May 15, completed its review of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plans to provide farmers with $16 billion in direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. That approval means USDA could announce signup for the COVID-19 relief program any day. Although the program signup is not currently open, USDA is urging farmers and ranchers to begin several steps of the application process ahead of time. Under the CARES Act, USDA will distribute $16 billion to farmers… Read More →
Coronavirus and USDA Assistance for Farmers
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Are you a farmer or rancher whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will provide direct relief to producers who have suffered losses during the 2020 marketing year due to COVID-19. About the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance program on April 17, 2020. CFAP will use funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and other USDA… Read More →
USDA outlines risk management program for hemp farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of two risk management programs that protect hemp farmers’ crops from natural disasters. A pilot hemp insurance program provides coverage against loss of yield because of insurable causes of loss for hemp grown for fiber, grain or Cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage protects against losses associated with lower yields, destroyed crops or prevented planting where no permanent federal crop insurance program is available. Farmers may apply now, and the deadline to sign up… Read More →
USDA issues third tranche of 2019 MFP payments
The third and final tranche of 2019 Market Facilitation Payments was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. President Donald Trump this week. “It’s been a great start to 2020 for American agriculture with the signing of the historic phase one deal with China and the signing of USMCA,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said in a statement. “While these agreements are welcome news, we must not forget that 2019 was a tough year for farmers as they were the tip of the spear… Read More →
