Perdue: U.S. farm exports hit 3rd highest level on recordThey climb…

U.S. agricultural exports totaled $140.5 billion in fiscal year 2017, climbing nearly $10.9 billion from the previous year to the third-highest level on record, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Thursday. As it has done for well over 50 years, the U.S. agricultural sector once again posted an annual trade surplus, which reached $21.3 billion, up almost 30 percent from last year's $16.6 billion.

2017 Silver Eagle Award Honors Merlyn Carlson

Nebraska Farm Bureau has selected former Nebraska Director of Agriculture Merlyn Carlson as the 2017 recipient of its highest honor, the Silver Eagle Award. The award will be presented to Carlson on Merlyn Carlson and his wife Janice raised their family on their ranch near Lodgepole, where they raised cattle.

USDA delays organic livestock and poultry practices ruleSome consider …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service has released notice that they are delaying, for the third time, implementation of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule. "The USDA's move this week should be seen for what it is: a clear attempt to let industrial agriculture interests usurp the legitimacy of the organic label," said OEFFA Policy Program Coordinator Amalie Lipstreu.

Mendocino County Farm Bureau coordinating meeting to discuss post-fire strategies

The long road to recovery for fire victims is just beginning to reveal itself, and for homeowners, farmers and landowners whose property has been affected by the fires, the Mendocino County Farm Bureau is providing an opportunity to receive assistance and information to help bring properties back to health and working order. A Post-Fire Agricultural and Rural Property Resource Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center.

FSA asks farmers, ranchers to vote in county committee…

The 2017 Farm Service Agency county committee elections began on Nov. 6, when ballots were mailed to eligible voters. The deadline to return the ballots to local FSA offices is Dec. 4. County committee members are an important component of the operations of FSA and provide a link between the agricultural community and USDA.

Ag Officials: Rainfall Slightly Down, But Good Year For Crops

Greene County has received less precipitation than normal this year, but when it has rained, it has been at the right times, officials say. According to a report by the University of Tennessee AgResearch & Education Center at Greeneville, the county has received 34.53 inches of rain or melted snowfall from Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. October saw slightly more rain than average for the month, accumulating 3.16 inches of rain compared to the average 2.08.

Exclusive: Carter Page testifies he told Sessions about Russia trip

Jared Kushner's team turned over documents to special counsel in Russia investigation - Jared Kushner has turned over documents in recent weeks to special counsel Robert Mueller as investigators have begun asking in witness interviews about Kushner's role in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, CNN has learned.

Report: White House Had No Idea Clovis Testified Before…

Jared Kushner's team turned over documents to special counsel in Russia investigation - Jared Kushner has turned over documents in recent weeks to special counsel Robert Mueller as investigators have begun asking in witness interviews about Kushner's role in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, CNN has learned.

Purdue thiamin work featured as agriculture research success story

Purdue University is among 11 U.S. research institutions recently highlighted for their successful research programs funded by the USDA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative . The recognition was included in a report released by the Supporters of Agricultural Research Foundation .

Sam Clovis withdraws his nomination for UDSA’s top scientist post…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientist nominee, Sam Clovis withdrew his name from consideration Wednesday amid revelations that he was among top officials on the Trump campaign who was aware of efforts by foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos to broker a relationship between the campaign and Russian officials. Court documents unsealed Monday revealed that Papadopoulos pleaded guilty in early October to making false statement to FBI investigators about his contacts with foreigners claiming to have high-level Russian connections.

Ag Lender Survey: Farm Profitability Still Down But Improving

Eighty-two percent of agricultural lenders reported a decline in farm profitability in the last 12 months, according to a joint survey by the American Bankers Association and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation . Despite the continued decline, the survey of more than 580 agricultural lenders revealed that the agricultural loan approval rate is 84 percent.

Ketchikan Ready Mix wins USDA contractor award

Ketchikan Ready Mix and Quarry was presented the award by Regional Forester Beth Pendleton at the Tongass National Forest Forest Supervisor's Office in Ketchikan on September 19. Pictured from left, Beth Pendleton, Harold Enright, Tammy Carroll, Loren Enright, Morgan Enright, and Contracting Officer Mari Meiners. Ketchikan Ready Mix and Quarry has been named the USDA HUBZone Contractor of the Year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Acacia Diversified Holdings, Inc. Subsidiary Acquires Processing License in Tennessee

Acacia Diversified Holdings, Inc. , an emerging cannabis company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Eufloria Medical of Tennessee, Inc. is pleased to announce that Eufloria has secured a processing, manufacturing and retail sales license in Tennessee. The acquisition of these licenses will allow Eufloria to conduct hemp-related business in Tennessee, as it moves forward in this new emerging hemp marketplace.

Maine Food Sovereignty Bends but Doesn’t Break After USDA Threats

This past June, Maine legislators passed a law, An Act to Recognize Local Control Regarding Food Systems , which allows cities and towns in the state to adopt laws permitting farmers and other food producers within their borders to engage in a host of direct-to-consumer food sales. The law, intended to bolster local food economies in the state, allows Maine municipalities to "regulate by ordinance local food systems," and requires the state, in turn, to "recognize such ordinances."