Category Archives: Agriculture Law

DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton reported last week that, “Leaders of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives are optimistic IRS officials will adjust Section 199A(g) tax breaks after testimony this week from Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. “Farmer cooperatives have been trying for more than two years to reestablish a tax deduction comparable to what… Continue Reading

A news release yesterday from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “Farmers and ranchers may apply to enroll grasslands in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands signup beginning March 16. The signup runs through May 15. “‘Through this CRP Grasslands signup, farmers and ranchers can protect grasslands, rangelands and pastures, while maintaining the… Continue Reading

DTN writer Todd Neeley reported last last month that, “Despite the biofuels industry operating on thin margins and dealing with federal policy uncertainty in 2019, the number of mergers and acquisitions in the industry was historically low last year, according to a new report from an investment bank focused on biofuels transactions. “Overproduction in the… Continue Reading

Bloomberg writer Robert Burnson reported yesterday that, “Food activists and farmers sued the Trump administration over its decision to let hydroponic operators use the prized ‘organic’ label. “The Center for Food Safety and farmers from Maine to California say in the lawsuit that the decision ‘undermines the very integrity’ of the country’s organic food label… Continue Reading

Late last month, the Associated Press reported that, “California sued the Trump administration on [Feb. 20] to block new rules that would let farmers take more water from the state’s largest river systems, arguing it would push endangered populations of delta smelt, chinook salmon and steelhead trout to extinction. “The federal rules govern how much… Continue Reading

Bloomberg writer Isis Almeida reported this week that, “Indigo Ag Inc., a company trying to take the old-school world of crop trading onto digital platforms, is cutting jobs in order to focus on the most-profitable areas of its business. “Reductions at the Boston-based company meant 150 staff members lost their jobs, a company spokesperson confirmed…. Continue Reading

An update yesterday from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “[FSA] today announced updates to the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). These updates include changes required by the 2018 Farm Bill as well as discretionary changes intended to improve the administration of the program and clarify existing program requirements…. Continue Reading

A news update yesterday from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “Agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 2020 general signup must make an offer of acres or schedule an appointment to do so with their local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) service center by Friday, February 28. “The… Continue Reading

A news release today from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “[FSA] today announced a new pilot program that enables farmers in the Prairie Pothole region to receive payments for planting cover crops on their land for three to five years. The new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP)… Continue Reading