The U.S. Department of Agriculture's statistical arm said it would restore some agricultural reports it had suspended because of automatic federal budget cuts after farmers and others in the dairy industry said the information was crucial to their business. The National Agricultural Statistics Service keeps tabs on a wide range...

The ethanol industry started as a new marketing outlet for farmers, providing additional revenue and creating jobs in the renewable energy industry throughout the United States. But, the ethanol industry has suffered in the past year, with waning subsidies and mandates, a severe drought in 2012 and overall competition between...

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the release of a report which provides a comprehensive look at the economic role, challenges and opportunities for food hubs in the nation's growing local food movement. "At USDA we are committed to food hubs because we believe that they offer strong and sound...

In western Ohio, farmers and agricultural educators are making a compelling case that cover crops and no-till will get you more from less: Requiring less fuel, less machinery, fewer chemical inputs and less acreage, these ecological farming practices lead to improved profitability, better soil health, more jobs, improved environmental stewardship...

The Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri has developed an online tool to help farmers build projected budgets for their operations. The Farm Cost and Return Tool, or Farm CART, is at www.fapri.missouri.edu/projects.   “The tool allows beginning farmers and ranchers, not only in...

As the Drought of 2012 continues into 2013, USDA has updated its Disaster and Drought Assistance website, include the map designating drought disaster areas. The map shows designations due to drought across the country under USDA's amended rule. Any county declared a primary (red) or contiguous (orange) disaster county makes...

The 2013 Small Farms Webinar series from the University of Illinois will be held on Thursday afternoons at 1:00 pm, beginning January 10 and concluding March 28. The topics will be varied but designed for small farm application. See below for a list of dates and topics. Sessions are presented...

Average Iowa farmland value is estimated to be $8,296 per acre, an increase of 23.7 percent from 2011, according to results of the Iowa Land Value Survey conducted in November. This is the third year in a row where values have increased more than 15 percent. The 2012 values are...

Blog article written by Dr. Michael Boland, University of Minnesota, boland@umn.edu Every year we read about a specialty crop in short supply due to weather issues. In recent years, we have seen shortages in canning pumpkins (most of U.S. canned pumpkin are made in west central Illinois), domestic orange juice...

Blog article written by Gary W. Brester, professor of Agricultural Economics, Montana State University and AgMRC contributing writer. Overview Barley is a short-season, early maturing crop and is likely the world’s oldest cultivated grain.  It is produced in a variety of climates in both irrigated and dryland production areas.  Barley...

  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commended U.S. dairy farmers and processors for their commitment to economic and environmental sustainability following the unveiling of a landmark carbon footprint study of the U.S. fluid milk sector. "American agriculture can play an important role in reducing carbon emissions and improving the environment, and...

USDA announced recipients of block grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Fifty-four grants in this funding round totaling approximately $55 million will fund 827 projects in the 50 states, the District of Columbia,...

Are you considering expanding your existing dairy operation to include on-farm processing? A new Small Dairy Resource Book from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) can help. The guide is a thorough collection of resources for farm families interested in capitalizing on value-added dairy products and is available free online...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the opening of its new small plant help-desk, which will provide for operators of small and very small meat, poultry and processed egg products establishments seeking help with agency requirements with direct access to knowledgeable staff specialists. The...

Blog entry written by Michael Boland, professor at Kansas State University and director of the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. Artisan, or farmstead, cheese production has increased significantly in the United States from 2003 to 2006, to almost 900 million pounds. On a per capita basis, consumption of those cheeses have...

Growing grapes and making wine is one of agriculture’s oldest and most romantic industries. Success requires persistence, patience, passion and money. The wine industry is enjoying a resurgence of interest and many are hoping to realize a dream. But those who are reaping the rewards will tell you that success...