Wednesday August 12 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on August 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2020 corn production is forecast at a record 1.80 billion bushels, up 1% from last year's production, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Acreage harvested for grain is estimated at 9.45 million acres, down 4% from a year ago. Average yield is forecast at 191 bushels per acre, up 9 bushels from last year.
 
Soybean production in Nebraska is forecast at 307 million bushels, up 8% from last year. Area for harvest, at 4.95 million acres, is up 2% from 2019. Yield is forecast at a record 62 bushels per acre, up 3.5 bushels from last year.

Nebraska's 2020 winter wheat crop is forecast at 36.6 million bushels, down 34% from last year. Harvested area for grain, at 850,000 acres, is down 12% from last year. Average yield is forecast at 43 bushels per acre, down 14 bushels per acre from 2019.

Sorghum production of 11.2 million bushels, is down 8% from a year ago. Area for grain harvest, at 120,000 acres, is down 8% from last year. Yield is forecast at 93 bushels per acre, unchanged from last year.

Oat production is forecast at 1.10 million bushels, down 3% from last year. Harvested area for grain, at 20,000 acres, is up 2,000 acres from last year. Yield is forecast at 55 bushels per acre, down 8 bushels from 2019.

Dry edible bean production is forecast at 2.90 million cwt, up 54% from last year. The average yield is forecast at 2,300 pounds per acre, up 360 pounds from last year. Acres planted by class are as follows: Pinto, 64,600; Great Northern, 42,800; Black, 5,600; Light Red Kidney, 15,700; All Other, (D). D is withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Sugarbeet production is forecast at 1.48 million tons, up 39% from 2019. Area for harvest, at 45,800 acres is up 3,700 acres from last year. Yield is estimated at a record 32.4 tons per acre, up 7.0 tons from a year ago.

Alfalfa hay production is forecast at 3.78 million tons, up 5% from last year. Expected yield, at 3.90 tons per acre, is up 0.10 ton from last year. All other hay production is forecast at 2.89 million tons, up 17% from last year. Forecasted yield, at 1.70 tons per acre, is up 0.05 ton from last year.



IOWA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Iowa corn production is forecast at 2.74 billion bushels according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. Based on conditions as of August 1, yields are expected to average 202.0 bushels per acre, up 4.0 bushels from last year. Corn planted acreage is estimated at 14.0 million acres. An estimated 13.55 million of the acres planted will be harvested for grain.

Soybean production is forecast at 541 million bushels. The yield is forecast at 58.0 bushels per acre, 3.0 bushels higher than 2019. Soybean planted acreage is estimated at 9.40 million acres with 9.32 million acres to be harvested.

Oat production for grain is forecast at 5.68 million bushels. The expected yield is 71.0 bushels per acre, up 1.0 bushel from the July forecast and 13.0 bushels higher than 2019. An estimated 80,000 acres will be harvested for grain.

Iowa hay yield for alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures is expected to be 3.50 tons per acre with a total production of 2.56 million tons, up 7% from the previous year. The projected yield for other hay is 2.40 tons per acre, with production at 792,000 tons, up 8% from 2019.

The forecasts in this report are based on August 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time. The next corn and soybean production forecasts, based on conditions as of September 1, will be released on September 11.



2020 Nebraska Extension Virtual Weed Management Field Days available online

Nebraska Extension’s weed management and cover crops field day at the South Central Agricultural Laboratory near Clay Center can be accessed virtually, at any time throughout the year. Growers, crop consultant, ag professionals and extension educators are encouraged to join.  

The virtual programming was organized by Amit Jhala, weed management specialist, and Martha Mamo, Department Head of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln presents the welcome address.  

The virtual field day will also include presentations on the following topics:
-    Introduction by Amit Jhala
-    Effects of row spacing by Shaun McDonald, graduate student in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture
-    Enlist E3 corn by Jose Sanctis, graduate student in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture
-    Early post or late post herbicides by Amit Jhala
-    Non-GMO white corn by Jenny Reese, Extension

Certified Crop dvisor (CCA) continuing education units are available.  

There is no cost to attend the virtual field day.



USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities Affected by Recent Derecho

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of assistance for agricultural producers in the Midwest affected by the recent severe weather to help eligible farmers and ranchers reestablish their operations.

“Our agricultural producers provide Americans and consumers around the world with such abundance, it’s critical that we stand with them when confronting disasters like the derecho that has devastated so many in America’s heartland,” said Bill Northey, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation.

Helping producers weather financial impacts of disasters:
Livestock owners and contract growers who experience above normal livestock deaths due to specific weather events, as well as to disease or animal attacks, may qualify for assistance under USDA’s Livestock Indemnity Program. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program provides payments to eligible producers to help compensate for losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), and adverse weather or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, that are not covered by certain other disaster programs. Producers of non-insurable crops who suffer crop losses, lower yields or are prevented from planting agricultural commodities may be eligible for assistance under USDA's Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program if the losses were due to natural disasters.

Helping operations recover after disasters:
USDA also can provide financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. Assistance may also be available for emergency animal morality disposal from natural disasters and other causes. USDA's Emergency Watershed Protection Program also can help relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by flood, fires and other natural disasters that impair a watershed.

Orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for assistance through USDA’s Tree Assistance Program to help replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters.

Producers with coverage through the Risk Management Agency (RMA) administered Federal crop insurance program should contact their crop insurance agent for issues regarding filing claims. Those who purchased crop insurance will be paid for covered losses. Producers should report crop damage within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. The Approved Insurance Providers (AIP), loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well trained in handling these types of events. As part of its commitment to customer service, RMA is working closely with AIPs that sell and service crop insurance policies to ensure enough loss adjusters will be available to process claims in the affected areas as quickly as possible. Please visit the RMA website, www.rma.usda.gov, for additional details.

When major disasters strike, USDA has an emergency loan program that provides eligible farmers low-interest loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. USDA’s emergency loan program is triggered when a natural disaster is designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or a natural disaster or emergency is declared by the President under the Stafford Act. USDA also offers additional programs tailored to the needs of specific agricultural sectors to help producers weather the financial impacts of major disasters and rebuild their operations.

USDA encourages those who suffered power outages to take steps to protect the safety of their food.

Tips to protect food safety after the power goes out:
    Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if the door is kept closed. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).
    Place meat and poultry to one side of the freezer or on a tray to prevent cross contamination of thawing juices.
    Use dry or block ice to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible during an extended power outage. Fifty pounds of dry ice should keep a fully-stocked 18-cubic-feet freezer cold for two days.

Steps to follow after a weather emergency:
    Check the temperature inside of your refrigerator and freezer. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.
    Check each item separately. Throw out any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture or feels warm to the touch.
    Check frozen food for ice crystals. The food in your freezer that partially or completely thawed may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is 40°F or below.
    Never taste a food to decide if it’s safe.
    When in doubt, throw it out.

Visit USDA's disaster resources website to learn more about USDA disaster preparedness and response. For more information on USDA disaster assistance programs, please contact your local USDA Service Center.



Iowa Leaders Praise USDA Decision to Provide CFAP Funds for Liquid Egg Producers
 
Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to include liquid egg producers in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Ernst, Grassley, Reynolds, and Naig sent a letter to Secretary Sonny Perdue in June requesting USDA to provide CFAP funds for egg producers.

“USDA has made good on its promise to support our farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and will now include our liquid egg producers in those payments. Market disruptions have negatively impacted almost all agriculture and farming operations in Iowa. I appreciate the leadership of Governor Reynolds, Senator Ernst, and Secretary Naig in this effort to ensure liquid egg producers are kept afloat until the pandemic ends,” said Senator Grassley.

“Nearly 70 percent of Iowa’s layer flocks produce for the liquid egg market, and with COVID-19 forcing restaurants and other egg-buying businesses to close or operate on limited capacities, these past few months have been tough on our egg producers. That’s why I joined Iowa leaders in pushing USDA to include egg producers in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, and I’m thankful to Secretary Perdue and the Trump Administration for heeding our calls and getting these folks support,” said Senator Ernst, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“As our producers continue doing their part to keep our national food supply chains moving, we must do our part to support their livelihood. It’s why I appreciate President Trump and his team for working with us to support Iowa’s egg producers,” said Governor Reynolds. “By making CFAP funds available to growers devastated by this spring's drop in liquid egg prices, the administration is making strides in delivering aid to Iowans with layer operations.”

“After a tough spring dealing with COVID-19-related market disruptions, I'm pleased to hear that there's some financial assistance on the way for our state's egg producers, which largely produce for the liquid egg market. I want to thank USDA for continuing to support our agriculture community throughout this pandemic. We know this won't make our liquid egg producers whole, but we hope it offers some relief as they continue down the long road to recovery,” said Secretary Naig.

Iowa is home to over 58 million egg-laying hens and about 1 in 6 eggs consumed in the United States each year. As an integral part of the state’s economy, the egg industry is responsible for as much as $2.6 billion in total economic activity, supporting 7,084 jobs and directly employing 2,398 people.



NCBA Commends Transportation Dept. & FMCSA For Extension of HOS Exemption

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (DOT-FMCSA) announcement of a 30 day extension to the Hours of Service (HOS) exemption for livestock and feed haulers:
 
"Livestock haulers are crucial to keeping beef moving through the supply chain and on to grocery store shelves. We thank DOT and FMCSA for extending this exemption and giving crucial relief to critical infrastructure," said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs, Allison Rivera. "While this is a win for the cattle industry, more still needs to be done. NCBA will continue to work with Congress and the Trump Administration, to find a permanent fix for Hour of Service regulations.

Background
FMCSA issued an emergency declaration at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to exempt livestock haulers from burdensome Hours of Service regulations. The most recent 30 day extension to that declaration was set to expire on August 14, 2020. Now the exemption runs through September 14, 2020.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/7/2020

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 7, ethanol production pared back by 1.4%, or 13,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 918,000 b/d—equivalent to 38.56 million gallons daily. Production remained 12.2% below the same week in 2019 as a result of the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 0.3% to 929,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.24 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks receded by 2.9% to 19.8 million barrels, which was 17.3% below year-ago volumes and the lowest level since the last week of 2016. Inventories thinned in the Midwest (PADD 2) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3) but increased across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, expanded 3.1% to 8.88 million b/d (136.18 bg annualized). Gasoline demand remained 10.6% lower than a year ago.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 2.0% to 861,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.20 bg annualized, which was 11.0% below the year-earlier level. Both gasoline and ethanol demand reached their highest levels since mid-March.

Imports of ethanol arriving into the West Coast were 24,000 b/d, or 7.06 million gallons for the week. This was the third consecutive week of imports. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of June 2020.)



Most Fertilizer Prices Remain Lower First Week of August

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN remained mostly lower the first week of August 2020 compared to last month. Once again, most of the moves in price were fairly minor.

One fertilizer that did have a significant price move (which DTN designates at 5% or more) was UAN28. The price of the liquid nitrogen fertilizer decreased 5% from a month ago. UAN28 had an average retail price of $222 per ton the first week of August.

Prices for five other fertilizers were lower compared to last month, but none were down a notable amount. Potash had an average price of $357 per ton, urea $354/ton, 10-34-0 $465/ton, anhydrous $455/ton and UAN32 $262/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly higher in price compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $416/ton and MAP $430/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.39/lb.N, anhydrous $0.28/lb.N, UAN28 $0.40/lb.N and UAN32 $0.41/lb.N.

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be considerably lower in price from a year ago. Anhydrous is 22% lower, both MAP and UAN28 are 19% less expensive, UAN32 is 18% lower, urea is 17% less expensive, DAP is 16% lower, potash is 10% less expensive and 10-34-0 is 5% lower from last year at this time.



Smithfield Foods Reports Mixed Quarter Earnings

Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced that it has spent $350 million to protect its team members and the American food supply during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing adjusted operating results to swing to a loss in the second quarter of 2020.

At Smithfield, the first half of 2020 was "a tale of two tapes": pre-pandemic and pandemic. Prior to the onset of COVID-19 in the U.S., Smithfield delivered record results in the first quarter of 2020, which were 190 percent higher than 2019.

However, the impact of the pandemic weighed heavily on the company's second quarter, pushing adjusted operating results 140 percent below a year ago to a $72 million loss.

Even when factoring in a benefit from risk management activities entered into before the pandemic, second quarter results were positive, but remained 54 percent, or $119 million, below a year ago.



RFA Supports White House Consideration of Reciprocal Tariffs on Imports of Brazilian Ethanol

The Renewable Fuels Association today expressed its support for President Trump’s announcement Monday that his administration is considering reciprocal tariffs on fuel ethanol imports from Brazil. The country’s existing tariff rate quota (TRQ) is set to expire at the end of August, and some Brazilian industry and government officials have suggested that all U.S. ethanol should be subject to a tariff of at least 20 percent beginning in September.

In response to a reporter question about Brazil’s tariff on ethanol, President Trump on Monday said, “…as far as Brazil is concerned, if they do tariffs, we have to have an equalization of tariffs. … you may be seeing something on that very soon.”

Following the President’s remarks, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper wrote in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, “While we would strongly prefer a return to the free and fair two-way ethanol trade relationship that we enjoyed with Brazil between 2012 and late 2017, it has become clear that the Brazilian ethanol industry (and some of the nation’s political leaders) no longer share our desire for free and open markets. Regarding ethanol trade, Brazil has chosen a path of protectionism and obstruction; unfortunately, at this point, it appears we have no choice but to respond in kind.”

Cooper noted that U.S. fuel ethanol exports to Brazil have fallen dramatically under the country’s TRQ and 20 percent over-quota tariff. Brazil’s protectionist policies caused 2019 U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil to fall 33 percent compared to 2018, and shipments continue to slide in 2020. By some estimates, Brazil’s trade barriers have already resulted in the loss of demand for nearly 350 million gallons of U.S. ethanol valued at nearly $400 million since late 2017.

Meanwhile, Cooper said, U.S. imports of duty-free Brazilian ethanol are surging; year-to-date U.S. imports of Brazilian ethanol are at a seven-year high and nearly triple the five-year average volume for the same period.

In concluding the letter, Cooper wrote, “Please know that the U.S. ethanol industry strongly supports the President’s goal of restoring fairness in ethanol trade with Brazil, and the Renewable Fuels Association stands ready to work with you and the Administration to ensure reciprocity and equity is achieved.”



U.S. SOY GLOBAL TRADE EXCHANGE & SPECIALTY GRAINS CONFERENCE SET FOR FIRST EVER VIRTUAL DEBUT

Registration is now open for the annual U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange and Specialty Grains Conference and Trade Show (GTE), hosted virtually August 24-27, 2020 by The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA). Last year’s event in Chicago brought together more than 800 international buyers and U.S. Soy industry stakeholders from over 50 countries. The 2020 virtual format will allow for experiential learning and even broader global participation, including networking opportunities, 360-degree farm tours and a trade show where attendees can discover how the U.S. Soy and specialty grains industry is an invaluable supplier of choice in the global market.

“GTE has a long-standing tradition of facilitating meaningful connections between international customers and U.S. farmers,” said Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO. “GTE 2020 will virtually connect buyers and growers through a series of thought-provoking sessions and a first-hand look into our productive soybean growing season. This agricultural and educational experience will show our partners that they can depend on U.S. Soy and our farmers, assuring them we’re open for business despite the pandemic.”

U.S. farmers will be at the forefront of this conference, showcasing key innovations and sustainable developments in U.S. Soy. Monte Peterson, Chairman of USSEC, board member of the American Soybean Association and soybean farmer in Valley City, N.D. will be one of those farmers to greet our U.S. agriculture community and customers from across the globe.

“As we head into the 2020 harvest season, U.S. Soy farmers are facing a critical time. GTE is an important part of USSEC’s efforts to show how U.S. soybean farmers are committed to providing a high-quality crop and serving as a consistent supplier to our customers,” shares Peterson. “Our goal with this event is to give our entire soybean value chain, from farmers to exporters to importers, the opportunity to connect with each other to create new business relationships.”

The virtual platform will provide a unique combination of actionable insights, top-notch experts, and dynamic engagements. Attendees will hear from industry leaders about global supply and demand trends, trade policy updates, as well as research on the quality and sustainable aspects of U.S. Soy and specialty grains.

Scheduled speakers and special guests include:
    Ted McKinney, USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
    Gregg Doud, U.S. Trade Representative and Chief Agricultural Negotiator
    Kevan Hueftle, Olympian of Track & Field
    RFD-TV’s Team of Market Day Report Anchors
    Emily French, ConsiliAgra Managing Director
    Will Sawyer & Tanner Ehmke, CoBank Knowledge Exchange
    Among several other noteworthy experts in the industry

The schedule for the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange & Specialty Grains Conference has been posted at gte2020.org and outlines the dates and times for dozens of educational sessions, trade show hours, special events and meetings. Visit gte2020.org to register and learn more about this experimental event. You can also follow the #USSOYexchange on social media platforms for updates.



ASA: 5 Big Reasons Why WISHH’s Work Matters Right Now

The COVID-19 pandemic makes 2020 a year of unprecedented challenges in global food supply chains. Even so, big trends in five new reports demonstrate the untapped potential that the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program is helping capture for U.S. soybean growers to fill protein gaps in emerging and developing markets.

“WISHH connects trade and development across global market systems, improving food security,” says Gerry Hayden, a Kentucky soybean grower who serves as an ASA director and is incoming WISHH chair. “Our long-term work is more important than ever for U.S. soybean growers, as well as WISHH strategic partners, in emerging and developing economies in Asia, Africa and Central America.”

Here are five timely reasons why WISHH’s work truly matters:

#1 – Trade access during COVID-19 is critical and is repeatedly emphasized by global leaders, including the United Nations’ (U.N.) Call for Immediate Action issued in June. Priority Action 1.2 declares food production, marketing, and distribution as essential services everywhere to keep trade corridors open and ensure the continuous functioning of the critical aspects of food systems in all countries.

WISHH connects trade and development across global market systems, improving food security.

#2 – Overall growth in the volume of meat consumption in developing countries is expected to rise at approximately five times that of developed countries, according to the Agricultural Outlook 2020-2029.

Released July 13, the joint report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations also finds growth in feed consumption is mainly due to the ongoing expansion of livestock herds and aquaculture production in low and middle-income countries.

From Africa to Asia, WISHH is implementing programs that are assisting feed, livestock, poultry, and aquaculture entrepreneurs in developing lasting market systems required for high-quality protein production.

#3 – Global efforts are not on track to meet the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, including SDG No. 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. To address the challenge, the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020 report recognized the importance of accelerating the production of healthy protein-rich foods.

Together with its strategic partners, WISHH builds sustained businesses that manufacture nutritious and affordable soy-based foods, ranging from tofu in Myanmar to soy-based beverages and other grab-and-go foods in Africa and Central America.

#4 – The UK-based Chatham House Royal Institute’s Business Case for Investment in Nutrition finds governments, businesses and financial groups are increasingly mobilizing to counter economic impacts of poor nutrition. The July 2020 report finds businesses in low and middle-income countries collectively lose between $130 billion and $850 billion a year through reduced workforce productivity.

Local business leaders, governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as academic institutions, join WISHH in increasing demand and fueling economic growth for the sustained availability of nutritious and affordable human foods and livestock feeds.

#5 – Citing a 527% rise in global aquaculture production from 1990 to 2018, a new report affirms the trends driving WISHH’s work in aquaculture, including aqua feeds, in emerging and developing markets. The FAO State of the World’s Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) 2020 report states, “The priority should be to further develop aquaculture in Africa and in other regions where population growth will challenge food systems most.”

WISHH has an extensive track record in aquaculture that began in 2011 with the USDA-funded FEEDing Pakistan project, based on WISHH identifying aquaculture as an opportunity to reduce Pakistan’s protein gap. Currently, WISHH leads the USDA-funded Commercialization of Aquaculture for Sustainable Trade (CAST) – Cambodia project and is working with African aquaculture entrepreneurs, as well.



 AGCO’s Fendt 2020/21 New Products to Premiere on YouTube August 21

AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, will unveil the newest additions to the growing Fendt® product line for North America on Friday, August 21, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. EDT. Agricultural producers who register for the event at Fendt.com/us will learn about Fendt’s global history of innovation and five new, cutting-edge products through equipment overviews, walk-arounds and virtual demos.

“This preview will unveil to the public one of AGCO’s largest-ever single-brand product introductions and provide exciting details regarding the availability of Fendt products, service and support,” says Conor Bergin, Fendt brand manager. “These new products are the result of years of voice-of-customer input, development effort and in-field testing. We’re tremendously excited to roll them out to dealers and producers across North America.”

In past years, AGCO has leveraged events like the Farm Progress Show to launch products to great attendance and enthusiasm. However, as the coronavirus caused many of 2020’s activities to be canceled, the company has maintained engagement with customers, dealers and media using innovative technology and outreach efforts, like the upcoming event on Fendt’s YouTube channel.

For more information about Fendt products, to find a dealer near you or to register for the Fendt YouTube product preview, visit Fendt.com/us.



USDA Announces New Farm Service Agency County Committees for Urban Agriculture, Requests Nominations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced new Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees focused exclusively on urban agriculture. County committees have enabled farmer input on the delivery of FSA programs since the 1930s, and these new committees are part of USDA’s efforts to better support urban agriculture.

“County committees represent farmers and set priorities at the local level,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. “Urban and suburban farmers are uniquely qualified to identify the needs of growers and their communities, especially when it comes to making fresh, healthy food accessible.”

“I encourage urban growers to nominate candidates to lead, serve, and represent their community on their county committee,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “Diverse representation can ensure that the needs of all farmers, including urban and suburban farmers, are included in local decisions for USDA programs.”

The committees are organized through USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, and the first five will be located in:
    Albuquerque, N.M.
    Cleveland, Ohio
    Philadelphia, Pa.
    Portland, Ore.
    Richmond, Va.

Five additional county committees will be announced in the fall.

The urban and suburban county committees will work to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices. Additionally, the new county committees may address areas such as food access, community engagement, support of local activities to promote and encourage community compost, and food waste reduction.

Committees will make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Their input is vital to how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment, and other agricultural issues.