Tennessee to begin livestock traceability checks on Jan. 1
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture will conduct routine compliance checks beginning Jan. 1, 2015, for the federal Animal Disease Traceability rule. The rule went into effect last year and requires the identification of livestock being transported across state lines.
Corn seed sales down, but may not yet mean more soy planting
We are starting to see more of a separation between corn and soybean values. This is not surprising, and is the same market scenario that developed last year.
December hog inventory tops expectations, bodes well for 2015
The December hog inventory survey said the nation’s swine herd was up 2.0 percent from December 2013, with the market hog inventory up 1.8 percent and the breeding herd up 3.7 percent.
Ohio EPA grant targets reducing runoff through use of manure
The Ohio State University Extension Service will receive a $42,000 Ohio EPA grant for a project designed to benefit crops and reduce runoff. It will do this by changing how farmers use manure on growing fields in the late spring and early summer.
U of I economist: Five ways to conserve cash for 2015
Ag economist Gary Schnitkey of University of Illinois advises farmers to tighten their belts when planning 2015's budget, and he suggests crop producers plan to conserve cash flows as part of a total reevaluation of their family living expenditures, in light of lower projected gross farm revenues in 2015.
Second beef checkoff barred by ag riders to spending bill
The omnibus appropriations bill signed Dec. 15 received a mixed response from farm groups, who both declared wins and decried losses in the legislation funding government activities for fiscal year 2015. Among the riders included is one that advises the USDA not to implement an additional beef checkoff. Tom Vilsack had been considering a second checkoff that would have been administered more directly through the USDA.
Illinois already seeing benefits in selling ag products to Cuba
If President Barack Obama is successful in easing longstanding trade sanctions against Cuba, there could be a benefit for farmers in the United States. Already, more Illinois farm products such as grain are getting into Cuba through the Illinois Cuba Working Group from a joint venture struck between several organizations less than two years ago.
Ohio EPA grant targets reducing runoff through use of manure
Ohio State University Extension will receive a $42,000 Ohio EPA grant for a project designed to benefit crops and reduce runoff. It will do this by changing how farmers use manure on growing fields in the late spring and early summer
Dairy farm in western Indiana to supply Dannon plant in Ohio
There will be one dairy cow practically for every two people in a remote area of western Indiana, where the economy is built predominantly on agriculture.
Michigan’s largest outdoor farm show has come to an end – Michigan State University officials announced last week the Michigan Ag Expo will not continue next year. Instead, it will be transitioned into a series of educational days held at various times through the year.
