UNITED STATES – Government numbers show just how much farmers are struggling. USDA information shows the U.S. agriculture industry is more than $426 billion in debt. The average farm was $1.3 million in debt in 2017 according to Nebraska Farm Business. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says net farm income has also dropped by nearly half since its peak six…
WASHINGTON – Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith introduces a bill for a one health approach. It’s an idea that human and animal health are linked and should be studied together to prevent disease outbreaks. Smith says the Department of Agriculture has a group that has already taken a one health approach. She wants them to combine its efforts with the Centers…
NORTH DAKOTA — A new report shows farmers across the country aren’t growing as much corn because of the wet weather this spring. The USDA says our country’s corn crop is the lowest it’s been in four years. “This spring has just been a gut punch to the farmers,” Jean Henning, executive director of the North Dakota Corn Council, said. Randy…
WASHINGTON – The Department of Agriculture announces a plan to provide $16 billion to help farmers impacted by the trade war with China. It gives $14.5 billion in direct payments to producers covering commodities like soybeans, wheat, corn and canola. Nearly $1.5 billion will go toward buying surplus goods like beef, pork and poultry. The plan also gives $100 million toward…
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – The federal Natural Resources Conservation Service is providing money to plant cover crops on damaged farmland. The aid is aimed at recovery work on cropland directly affected by the severe weather in March. The highest priority cropland includes land that can’t be planted with a cash crop and/or can’t be harvested this year. Experts say cover crops…
FARGO, N.D. — For some producers, financial support from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is essential towards keeping their farms afloat. “They need those funds if they’re going to farm this next year and if you’re delaying processing of loans all the way into May or June or July, creditors are sitting on the sidelines maybe not wanting to take a…
WASHINGTON – The Agriculture Department announces a $12 billion short-term plan to help farmers hurt by tariffs. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the plan will help farmers deal with the cost of what he calls “disruptive markets.” It comes as trading partners like China retaliate for President Trump’s tariffs on imports. The plan involves direct payments to farmers, the purchase of…
FARGO, N.D. — PETA is calling on the USDA to fine NDSU for the deaths of research animals. The university was cited after an inspection in May for violating the Animal Welfare Act. According to USDA records, eleven lambs died from trauma after being confined to a small pen with more than 200 other sheep. In another incident, pigs died…
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is coming to North Dakota next week. His visit is at the invitation of Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator John Hoeven. Perdue will meet with local producers to discuss their priorities for the upcoming farm bill and planting season. He’ll also address how the USDA can best help the industry to overcome challenges…
Drought Map July 20, 2017FARGO, ND — The drought conditions in western North Dakota aren’t getting any better. More than 6 percent of the state is now listed in the “exceptional”, or highest, drought category. Much of the rest of western North Dakota is in either severe or extreme drought. And much of eastern North Dakota is in moderate drought…
