Our View: Christmas Reflection
Thank you the farmers of this nation who put food on our tables, conserve our landscape and make our economy hum.
Ag Census Under Way
Farmers and ranchers across America will have their voices heard in the USDA Census of Agriculture, and the data collected in the coming months will certainly help shape agricultural policy for years to come.
Give Thanks for Our Nation’s Farmers
When you sit down at the family dinner table this Thanksgiving and count your many blessings, be sure to take a moment to acknowledge the contributions of our nation’s farmers.
Our View: Anti-Farmer Legislation Rings Hollow
Last week was busy for the anti-farm crowd in their quest to leave farmers with fewer tools to deal with depressed crop prices and weather disasters.
Don’t Forget About the Rural Infrastructure
As Congress considers President Trump’s $1 trillion infrastructure investment plan, advocates for agriculture and rural communities are making sure lawmakers understand spending is needed not only for roads and bridges but also for broadband internet and a host of other items on the nation’s maintenance backlog.
2017 Sugar Harvest: Louisiana Harvest Off to a Dry Start
“Here in Louisiana, it’s been more than 200 years we’ve been harvesting cane…”
2017 Sugar Harvest: Minnesota Sugarbeet Farmers Race Against Winter
“Everything has gotten bigger and faster,” he says. And more expensive, which makes today’s low and stagnant sugar prices all the more challenging.
2017 Sugar Harvest: Florida Sugarcane Farmers Hopeful After Irma
Hurricane Irma may ultimately be blamed for $100 billion in damage across Florida, making it one of the costliest storms in U.S. history.
FPF Analysis: New USDA Net Farm Income Figures Not Exactly What They Seem
A new analysis by Farm Policy Facts reveals that the USDA’s projected Net Farm Income (NFI) increase is not exactly what it seems.
35 Years Later, President Reagan’s Message to Farm Country Still Rings True
President Ronald Reagan’s message to America’s struggling farmers in 1982 is a message worth remembering on its 35th anniversary.
Digging Out After Harvey
October 13, 2017 Hurricane Harvey’s toll on the southeastern Texas cotton crop is still being tallied. An expert with Texas A&M says up to 400,000 bales of cotton were still on the stalk. That could force farmers to go through the time-consuming process of trying to harvest what’s salvageable, but knowing their crop’s value will be significantly…
Harvey Was a ‘Gut Punch’ to Texas Farmers
Hurricane Harvey is a devastating reminder of the huge risks farmers take in growing the food and fiber needed to feed and clothe the world.
Our View: Will Anything Ever Satisfy Farm Critics? No
“No” appears to be the only message the EWG, Heritage, PIRG, Club for Growth, and other perennial farm policy opponents are capable of delivering.
New Study Exposes Heritage Foundation’s Misleading Narrative About Farm Policy
A new study by former USDA official Brandon Willis debunks The Heritage Foundation’s misleading narrative that there is no place for farm policy in America.
Ag Community Has Waited Too Long for a Workable Guestworker Program
Farm Policy Facts is pleased to publish a guest editorial from Rep. Bob Goodlatte highlighting his efforts to improve the agricultural guestworker program in the U.S.
Farm Bill’s Research Investment Helps Farmers Succeed
Wheat is complex and studying the plant is slower than the work required for others. But, U.S wheat must remain high quality and that takes research.
Farm Bill Helps Small Businesses Reach Global Markets
Understanding what foreign buyers and end users want is where the government programs are helpful. But the programs have taken deep cuts over the years.
Crop Insurance Makes Wheat Farming Possible
For Musick, crop insurance is one of the most important parts of the Farm Bill and it’s one that he advocates for every time he gets a chance.
Our View: Heritage Foundation On an Island When it Comes to Opposing Farm Policy
A former 2016 presidential contender and one of the most conservative members of Congress wanted to make clear his support for American agriculture.
Conservation is an Important Part of the Farm Bill
Conservation is an important part of the business calculation on any farm, and the upcoming Farm Bill is an opportunity to make improvements to help farmers.
Farm Bill Needs Tweaks, Not Wholesale Change
“It underscores why wheat farmers see crop insurance as a top priority…”
Leaders Urge Fast Farm Bill Action at International Sweetener Symposium
Leaders of the House Agriculture Committee want Congress to move fast on the new Farm Bill, and they will have the support of America’s largest farm groups.
Hearings Demonstrate Top Concerns for Ag Producers
Making sure America’s farmers and ranchers have the tools to compete on a global scale begins with a strong farm bill.
Our View: Congress Needs More Ag Committees
At the end of the day, the Agriculture Committees are the workhorses that get it done.
ICYMI: Keep Crop Insurance Affordable and Widely Available
In that single moment, I realized that there are no guarantees and certainly not with farming. We operate at the will of Mother Nature. As a result, we have to do our part to minimize the risk as best as we can, so we can get back on our feet when a disaster strikes.
New Study: Heritage Foundation’s Farm Policy Proposal Would ‘Devastate’ U.S. Farmers & Prove ‘Ineffective’ in Advancing Free Trade in Agriculture
The new report entitled, “The Heritage Foundation’s Farm Policy Proposals: Harmful to U.S. Farmers and Ranchers and Ineffective in Advancing Free Trade,” addresses what the author believes are fundamental flaws in Heritage’s “blueprint” for agricultural policy, which calls for unilaterally eliminating U.S. farm policy.
Promoting Free and Fair Trade
It’s still unclear how things will turn out in the ongoing situation with Mexico’s subsidized sugar industry, or with China’s trade abuses against corn, rice, and wheat. But one thing is for certain: U.S. agriculture wins when it trades, and trade only works if everyone plays by the rules.
Equipment Sales Show Optimism Tied to Policy Promises
Policy experts are hopeful the momentum will continue, especially if Congress makes sound decisions regarding farm policy, which provides a foundation for the rural economy. But, there’s still a long way to go.
Our View: The Short Straw for Farmers Once Again
If the Trump administration’s first major budget plan became law, it most assuredly would harm our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural production.
Rep. Brady: When Farmers Succeed, America Succeeds
I understand how crucial farming and ranching are. I also know that our agricultural producers are facing serious challenges.
Our View: It’s Called a Farm Bill For a Reason
Efforts to keep farmers farming during dark days are why a farm bill exists. We call it a farm bill for a reason. It all starts on the farm.
Digital Clearinghouse Focuses on Power of Ag Exports
All told, farm exports account for $340 billion in economic activity and support more than a million jobs, according to Agexportscount.com.
New Ag Chief Gets First Task to Help Farmers & Ranchers
Just hours after being sworn in as the 31st Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue had his first assignment before him.
Does the Heritage Foundation Hate American Farmers?
We wish the Heritage Foundation and all opponents of farm policy would understand: there is no free market when it comes to agriculture.
Our View: Stick Together & Keep Going
As Winston Churchill once said, “if you’re going through hell, keep going.” These days, there are plenty of reasons for farmers and ranchers to be anxious and feel like they are going through a similar journey.
Praise for Perdue in Advance of his Confirmation Hearing
Farmers and ranchers have found a champion in Governor Sonny Perdue, the nominee for Secretary of Agriculture.
Farm Advocates Ask Congress to Back Crop Insurance
A group of 59 wildlife, environmental, agricultural and farm credit advocates sent letters to Congress this week asking officials to back crop insurance during budget debates.
EWG’s ‘New’ Database Used For Same, Old Purpose: To Attack Farmers.
It is more of the same as EWG tries to push another false story.
Our View: 649,355 Reasons to Write a New Farm Bill
If we needed a reason for why a strong farm bill must be reauthorized without delay then this week provided one. Actually, this week provided 649,355 reasons.
#ICYMI: Crop insurance helps multi-generational farm weather the ‘perfect storm’
“As we begin negotiations around a new Farm Bill, I for one will be an outspoken advocate for crop insurance. It is not just an ‘insurance policy’ for farmers, but also an ‘insurance policy’ against disruption and financial instability in the food production sector.”