USDA moves to tighten restrictions on food stamps Source: AP

The Trump administration is setting out to do what this year's farm bill didn't: tighten work requirements for millions of Americans who receive federal food assistance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday is proposing a rule that would restrict the ability of states to exempt work-eligible adults from having to obtain steady employment to receive food stamps.

Farm bill’s federal hemp provision could disrupt Humboldt County cannabis economy

A major agriculture bill passed by the U.S. Congress last week could legalize hemp at the federal level, allowing farmers across the country to cultivate hemp, but that doesn't necessarily spell good news for Humboldt County. The bill, which now awaits President Donald Trump's signature, includes a provision that lifts hemp off of a list of federally criminalized drugs.

Fed interest rate hike adds to production costs

The latest Federal Reserve quarter of a percent interest rate hike may seem insignificant, pushing the federal funds rate to a still relatively low 2.25 percent, but the increase comes on top of other hikes since January and likely will be followed by another .25 percent in December with others to follow in 2019. "It's hard to estimate the magnitude of the latest increase on farm budgets," says Keith Coble, department head, Mississippi State University agricultural economics at Starkville.

Florence deals ag industry $1.1B hit

Hurricane Florence has left another memorable mark on our region with damage sustained from significant rain and wind over a three-day escapade. Many residents and businesses, including our agricultural industry, are now in the midst of making some tough decisions on how to best move forward to getting things back to normal.

Ten must-see Usda Fas reports

As the global produce community comes together in Orlando at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit, let me rank the top ten reports from the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service this year. If you are not familiar with the USDA FAS, the agency issues Global Agricultural Information Network reports that provide market intelligence from global growing regions and U.S. export markets.

Overnight Energy: Climate skeptic confirmed as DOJ environmental…

FORMER BP ATTORNEY CONFIRMED AS TOP US ENVIRONMENTAL LAWYER: The Senate voted Thursday to confirm a climate change skeptic and former industry attorney to lead the Department of Justice's environment division. Lawmakers voted 52 to 45 to confirm Jeffrey Bossert Clark to be the assistant attorney general for environment and natural resources.

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Provides Search…

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is assisting with response and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Michael. The department is providing Search & Rescue crews, Chainsaw Strike Teams, and securing food and water for impacted areas, among other efforts.

Wheeler’s first big science test shows alignment with Pruitt agenda on EPA board appointments

Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler speaks to staff at the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters on July 11, 2018 in Washington, DC. CREDIT: Mark Wilson/Getty Images Acting Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler appears to be continuing in the vein of his predecessor Scott Pruitt, after the official largely opted out of appointing scientists to an advisory panel on air pollution.

8 Rural Races Where Democrats May Reap the Benefits of Trumpa s Trade War

President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports , officially launching his long promised trade war. Beijing retaliated immediately, imposing levies on American exports like soybeans and pork-goods reportedly selected to hit Trump country.

Claire McCaskill video: Missouri Democrat shuns rural ‘bootheel’ voters

A video recording has emerged of Democrat Sen. Claire McCaskill telling supporters that she doesn't care about losing votes in the state's "bootheel," the southeastern most tip of the state that is rural and solidly conservative. Republican challenger Josh Hawley featured the video recording in a new TV ad that hit the airwaves Thursday, using Ms.

Administration mum on climate change report as Trump says: a I want to look at who drew ita

The day after an international panel of scientists issued a stark warning about the short window in which world leaders can act to avoid catastrophic climate change, the president of the United States didn't comment on whether the U.S. accepts or will act on the findings. A panel of more than 90 scientists under the United Nations published a report warning that the world has about 12 years to drastically reduce carbon emissions before the impact of climate change could become irreversible.

Land O’Lakes Receives Funding For New Buildings, Food Safety Projects

LAND O'LAKES RECEIVES FUNDING FOR NEW BUILDINGS, FOOD SAFETY PROJECTS Oct. 9, 2018 Source: Land O'Lakes news release "Land O'Lakes International Development welcomes the ongoing partnership of USAID and USDA as we continue leveraging the expertise of a nearly century-old, farmer-owned cooperative to improve livelihoods and enhance agriculture worldwide," said John Ellenberger, executive director of Land O'Lakes International Development. "We're excited to build collaborative efforts for international economic development that unite host country agricultural stakeholders, Land O'Lakes, Inc. farmers and technical staff, government leaders and academic experts to maximize results," said Ellenberger.

USDA To Invest $181 Million In Rural America Community Infrastructure

USDA TO INVEST $181 MILLION IN RURAL AMERICA COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE Oct. 9, 2018 Source: USDA news release Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $181 million in 88 projects that will build community infrastructure and facilities in 27 states. "Infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity in small towns across our country," Hazlett said.