Farming

Urges USDA to Respect Subsidies for Small Farms

August 12, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in calling on the Bush Administration to implement the 2008 Farm Bill according to the law’s intent and abandon an interpretation that would disadvantage small farms across New York and around the country.    » read more »

June 2, 2008 -- With the summer harvest season right around the corner, and roadside produce stands popping up at country intersections across the state, the end of spring is a mouthwatering time to think about Michigan agriculture.

When, after months of delays, Congress recently passed the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, also known as the Farm Bill, the season was appropriate. This critical legislation – which was passed over a presidential veto – will offer a boost to the Michigan farmers who sell their produce locally and who send Michigan-grown agriculture across the country. The bill will also crack down on speculators who are driving high energy prices, and offer much-needed support for conservation, biofuels and nutrition programs.    » read more »

05/29/2008 -- The proposed acquisition of National Beef Packing Company and Smithfield Beef Group by Brazilian meat company JBS could have implications for Oklahoma cattle producers, OKlahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson said today.

Oklahoma cattle: Photo by Wade (CC)

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Edmondson said by taking over National Beef and Smithfield, JBS will become the largest beef processor in the nation and the new company could have a significant impact on the feedlot segment of the beef industry.    » read more »

May 21, 2008 -- HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle signed into law today HB3126 SD2 CD1 (Act 85), which increases the loan ceiling for farm and ranch operations on Hawaiian home lands from $50,000 to $200,000. This loan cap has not been changed since 1982.

Currently, the $50,000 loan ceiling limits the types of improvements that can be made for farming and ranch operations. In some cases, the installation of an agricultural water meter alone costs $60,000, not to mention other needed infrastructure and equipment.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, May 14 – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) applauded inclusion of key nutrition, renewable energy, and food security provisions in a farm bill poised for final passage by the Senate later this week. The measure also expands the Milk Income Loss Contract Program crucial to Vermont dairy farmers.

Sanders championed a fresh-produce snack program. He helped to secure expanded support for wood as an energy resource. A nutrition education program that links schools with community gardens also was included at his request in the final bill.    » read more »

May 12, 2008 -- MACON, Ga – Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed an executive order suspending the collection of the state gas tax on diesel sold for off-road uses. Governor Perdue also signed several agricultural-related pieces of legislation during his visit to Farm Bureau headquarters in Macon: Senate Bill 515, House Bill 649, and House Bill 1178 and House Bill 1088.

Georgia tractor at work in cornfield: Photo by Judy Baxter (CC)    » read more »

New York Dairy Farmers Need Protection from Increased Costs of Dairy Production

May 9, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that after weeks of negotiation, the final version of the federal Farm Bill will include the critical “Feed Cost Adjuster Amendment” to ensure that New York’s dairy farmers will continue to benefit from the federal milk price support program despite the surging costs of animal feed.

A dairy farm in upstate New York: Photo by Anita Gould (CC)    » read more »