USDA Announces 45th General Sign-Up for the Conservation Reserve Program
MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 16, 2013—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced at the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a four-week general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), beginning May 20 and ending on June 14. CRP has a 27-year legacy of protecting the nation’s natural resources through voluntary...
Read MoreNew Wheat Variety Grows in Wet Conditions
There may be hope yet for wheat growers in the south who face wet winters, which are not conducive to growing a successful crop. Researchers at Louisiana State University’s AgCenter have partnered with SUNGRAINS, a consortium of six southeastern universities cooperating on wheat and oat research and variety development, to develop a wheat variety that performs well in wet conditions. The...
Read MorePush for RFS Waiver
More than 140 congressional lawmakers have signed onto a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency to lower the 2012 Renewable Fuels Standard. As a result of the drought, “corn prices have risen dramatically over the past few weeks and are likely to remain at record highs,” the lawmakers said in their letter. “This means literally billions of dollars in increased costs for...
Read MorePrepare for Crop Insurance Audits
This year’s drought will have another impact for farmers, beyond wiped out yields and hits to their income. With potential six-figure crop insurance claims expected, crop insurance companies and agents are advising farmers to get ready for crop insurance audits, reports Progressive Farmer. Crop insurance program rules set automatic audits when claims reach $200,000 per entity per crop...
Read MoreNot Your Grandfather’s Drought
While the central U.S. is having the worst drought in decades, it wouldn’t be fair to compare it to droughts of the 1950s or the Dust Bowl years. Since those previous droughts, more farmers have switched to conservation tillage to keep their topsoil from blowing away, and today’s hybrid crops are better able to withstand dry weather. This summer’s drought is devastating for farmers who...
Read MoreSee it to Believe it
Using words to describe the effects of this season’s devastating drought on crops and livestock can only go so far. Documenting the damage with still photos and video helps people better understand what farmers and ranchers across America are facing. Check out the Midwest Laboratories Blog for images and video on the drought in...
Read MoreLegislative Tracking 2013
