Author Archives: Keith Good

A news release last week from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “A new online tool can help farmers and ranchers find information on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm loans that may best fit their operations. USDA has launched the new Farm Loan Discovery Tool as the newest feature on farmers.gov, the… Continue Reading

A news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) yesterday stated that, “The [USDA] today announced up to $16 million in available funding to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran… Continue Reading

Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer reported last week that, “The Environmental Protection Agency will allow farmers to resume broad use of a pesticide over objections from beekeepers, citing private chemical industry studies that the agency says show the product does only lower-level harm to bees and wildlife. “Friday’s EPA announcement — coming after the agriculture… Continue Reading

A news release last week Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee stated that, “U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Pat Roberts (R-KS), John Cornyn (R-TX) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to address the shortage of agricultural inspectors who protect our food supply… Continue Reading

DTN writer Todd Neeley reported this week that, “Payouts from a $1.51 billion Syngenta settlement may arrive in farmers’ mailboxes sometime in 2020, as attorneys in the case continue to battle a federal court on the allocation of fees. “Farmers originally were expected to begin receiving payments during the second quarter of 2019. “A federal… Continue Reading

An update today from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for agricultural producers in states impacted by flooding and heavy moisture. The new July 22 deadline applies to producers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin… Continue Reading

Last week, Reuters writer Jane Lanhee Lee reported that, ” Leafy salad greens grown under banks of LED lights, with mist or drips of water are having their day in the sun. Several top U.S. indoor farms, stacked with plants from floor to ceiling, tell Reuters they are boosting production to a level where they… Continue Reading

Washington Post writer Laura Reiley reported last week that, “Commercial honeybee colonies have had a rough run. And it’s not over yet. The annual loss rate for honeybees during the year ending in April rose to 40.7 percent, up slightly over the annual average of 38.7 percent, according to the Bee Informed Partnership, a nonprofit… Continue Reading