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News Releases -
Agribusiness
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Written by USDA Office of Communications
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Monday, 06 May 2013 14:38 |
| Don't Miss Your Chance to Provide the Facts Straight from the Farm |
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WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 – With the window to respond to the 2012 Census of Agriculture officially closing on May 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging farmers and ranchers not to miss this opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America. USDA has already received more than 2 million completed Census forms.
"Our nation needs your help to ensure that decisions about U.S. agriculture accurately represent you, your communities, and your industry," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "For every 158 people in America there is one farm. I urge you to take action today and respond to the Census – your country is counting on the information to help ensure a continued supply of food, fiber and fuel for generations to come."
The Census of Agriculture, conducted only once every five years, is the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. It looks at farms, value of land, market value of agricultural production, farm practices, expenditures, and other factors that affect the way farmers and ranchers do business. The information is used by agribusinesses, town planners, local governments, and policy makers, as well as farmers, ranchers, growers and others to shape farm programs, boost rural services and grow the future of farming.
"Agriculture in America is an industry built on tradition, honor and pride," said Vilsack. "We have heard this from the farmers and ranchers who completed their Census of Agriculture form. It's not too late for those who have not yet responded to join the generations of producers who participated in the Agriculture Census since it was first conducted in 1840. Only you can continue to provide the facts straight from the farm."
The 2012 Census will provide a complete picture of agriculture that will be used to shape the future of agriculture, rural America, and the lives of those USDA serves for years to come. The deadline to respond to the Census of Agriculture is only a few weeks away on May 31. USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) may contact producers by phone or in person to collect Census information since time is running out.
Farmers and ranchers can also return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov. Federal law requires a response from everyone who receives the Census form and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.
For more information about the Census, including helpful tips on completing your Census form, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828). The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, your responsibility.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD)or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).
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News Releases -
Agribusiness
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Written by United Soybean Board
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Friday, 19 April 2013 13:52 |
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USB farmer-leader shares best management practices at World Soybean Research Conference
ST. LOUIS (April 18, 2013) – Speaking on a world stage about the excellent sustainability performance of U.S. soy, Jim Carroll recently confirmed what he and the soy checkoff already knew: global customers demand soybeans and soy products produced in a sustainable manner.
Carroll, a soy checkoff farmer-leader from Brinkley, Ark., recently brought his farm expertise to South Africa, where he told attendees at the World Soybean Research Conference about the practices he’s implemented to decrease his farm’s carbon footprint while maintaining high productivity. Carroll says the conversations he had at the conference reinforced his notion that soy customers place a high priority on sustainability.
“Several people from around the world came to me after the presentation was over and asked me for more information about sustainability,” said Carroll. “Sustainability is constantly gaining importance, and I am very honored to have had the chance share my experiences.”
Many U.S. soy customers consider sustainability an important issue. The U.S. soy industry received good marks in several reports and studies conducted by the checkoff measuring the sustainability performance of various aspects of U.S. soy production. This makes the practices of U.S. farmers a good example for soybean operations in other countries.
Sustainability was one of many topics discussed at the conference, which brings together members from every link of the soy value chain. Participants heard presentations and discussed the geographic differences in growing, processing, transporting and marketing soybeans, soy meal and soy oil.
Recent polls of U.S. soybean farmers show they do their part to increase sustainability on their operations. More than 50 percent of farmers say they made changes to improve their farms’ sustainability performance.
Carroll said, “I spoke with several people from both Africa and Europe who were very interested in how I increased efficiency and conserved water while irrigating.” Overall, in the last 30 years, U.S. farmers have reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while increasing irrigation efficiency per bushel of soybeans by more than 40 percent.
“For me, sustainability is just about trying to make reasonable, economic and environmental decisions for my farming operation,” Carroll said. “If you are a farmer today, chances are you already work to improve your farm’s sustainability, whether you know it or not. All farmers want to make the best decisions possible for their land and operation.”
The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy’s customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.orgVisit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoardFollow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoyView our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard### |
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News Releases -
Agribusiness
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Written by USDA Office of Communications
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Wednesday, 17 April 2013 10:22 |
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WASHINGTON, April 17, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the re-establishment of the Forestry Research Advisory Council and is seeking nominations for new members.
"This council will play a critical role as USDA continues to lead the way in forest conservation efforts," said Vilsack. "We base our forest conservation policies and decisions on the best available science, and this group will bring the expertise and experience to help us continue that practice."
The council's many responsibilities include providing advice to Secretary Vilsack on national and regional research planning projects and on coordination of forestry research within federal and state agencies, forestry schools and forest industries. In addition, the council will provide advice to the U.S. Forest Service's Research and Development program—the world's largest forestry-research organization.
The Forestry Research Advisory Council has 10 current and upcoming vacancies. Nominations are sought to immediately fill six vacancies on the council and additional vacancies that will occur when current appointments expire in December 2013. Vacancies are open in the following categories:
- Forestry schools
- State and Federal agencies
- Forest industries
- Voluntary organizations
Nominations must be received by April 29, 2013. The announcement appeared in the Federal Register and is available here, along with the required nomination form and more background information.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users). |
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News Releases -
Agribusiness
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Written by Annie Thompson
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Tuesday, 16 April 2013 15:05 |
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SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will preside over the quarterly meeting of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) tomorrow in Springfield. The meeting will feature updates about Illinois’ EBT Wireless Project, which enables farmers’ markets to accept Illinois Link, debit and credit cards wirelessly for the first time.
To date, 31 markets have received the wireless grants coordinated by Simon’s office, and most of the markets will start accepting Link cards this spring. One of the newest recipients, EP!C Market, of Peoria, will discuss its expansion plans during the GRAC meeting Wednesday.
“Our wireless project is not only making locally-grown, healthy food available to low-income residents, it is helping us create job opportunities for those in need and supporting farmers,” Simon said.
EP!C Market provides employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Currently, approximately 40 individuals work in the greenhouse, and plants are sold at local retailers. The organization looks forward to adding an outdoor garden, doubling the number of workers. EP!C will hold its first outdoor farmers’ market in May.
Applications for the EBT wireless project are still being accepted. For more information, please click here.
Wednesday, April 17
EVENT: Governor’s Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) quarterly meeting
TIME: 2 p.m.
PLACE: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Lakeview Rooms B and C, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield
NOTE: Media availability will take place prior to the meeting’s start.
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News Releases -
Agribusiness
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Written by Laurie Johns
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Monday, 15 April 2013 15:10 |
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“Grain, Gridlock and Globalization: Meeting the Economic Challenges in Today’s Agriculture”
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – April 15, 2013 – Compared to a year ago, Iowa farmers are facing entirely new challenges from nature as well as global markets, farm policy and soaring land prices. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, is once again bringing economic, marketing and nationally-respected financial experts to Iowa to help Iowa’s crop and livestock farmers weather these new cycles of change. The second annual IFBF Economic Summit will take place July 22-23 at the Iowa State Center Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa.
“The timing of this Economic Summit is at such a critical juncture; with regards to policy, weather and many other factors which impact farming sustainability and profitability,” said Craig Hill, IFBF president. “While it’s true that Iowa’s thriving farm sector served to insulate much of our state from the worst of the recession, we have to be realistic. Fifteen percent of farmers are more leveraged today than they were before the Farm Crisis of the 1980’s. There are many things in flux: record land prices and cash rent prices for farmland, an uncertain political climate, no new Farm Bill, global market competition and trade challenges. Corn exports are down 50 percent from just three years ago and there are many other signs which point towards an inevitable ‘bubble’ burst.”
“Brazil will pass the U.S. in soybean production for the first time in 2013 and they’re emerging as a strong beef exporter. Ukraine just signed a MOU with China to become a soybean supplier, so you can quickly see that our ‘first-in–the- nation-leading-food-exporter’ status is facing new competition thanks to a drought cycle and uncertain political climate,” said Dave Miller, IFBF director of research and commodity services.
“Today, our market strength depends largely on global markets, trade and things we can’t predict, such as political uncertainty and climate change,” Miller added.
National experts ranging from Daniel Mitchell with the D.C. think tank The CATO Institute, economist Mike Boehlje with Purdue University, American Farm Bureau economist Bob Young and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack are among many nationally-recognized monetary, policy, trade and economic experts tapped for the July IFBF Economic Summit.
For a complete listing of the panelists and schedule, click here: www.iowafarmbureau.com.
The price of the two-day summit is $50 for Iowa Farm Bureau members and $150 for non-members. Information about the summit, lodging, online registration forms or to join IFBF can be found at www.iowafarmbureau.com.
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About Iowa Farm Bureau
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity. For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online Newsroom page at www.iowafarmbureau.com. |
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