2019 Ag Day – March 14th
Today, marks the 36th anniversary of Ag Day! This year’s theme is “Food for Life” and official hashtag is #AgDay19. In recognition of Ag Day, the National Wheat Foundation has published a blog highlighting how wheat is truly “Food for Life”. Read it here: http://bit.ly/2F5c5yz.
Ag Groups Team Up to Launch #TradeSupportsMyFarm Social Media Contest for National Ag Day
On March 12, 2019, Farmers for Free Trade, American Farm Bureau Federation, Corn Refiners Association, US Apple Association, KCoe Isom, Illinois Farm Bureau, Texas Farm Bureau and the National Association of Wheat Growers announced a social media contest to celebrate National Ag Day. The contest seeks to reward farmers and families who can best highlight the significance of how trade supports their farm, ranch or ag business. The contest began on March 12, 2019 and all entries must be received by March 26, 2019. Winners for first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) places will be awarded.
USDA Continues to Host 2018 Farm Bill Implementation Sessions
Next week, the USDA will host another five sessions on the 2018 farm bill implementation: A March 19 webinar on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); two sessions on March 21 will discuss Research, Education, and Economics programming as well as Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service items; two more discussions will be held the next day, when officials hear about Natural Resources and Environment provisions as well as Trade and Foreign Ag Affairs programs included in the farm bill. More information about the events can be found here.
NRCS Seeks Comments on Conservation Practices
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking comments on how to give growers more flexibility in meeting NRCS standards for a wide range of conservation practices in a manner that ensures equivalent natural resource benefits. On Monday, March 11, the Agency published a Federal Register notice opening a 45-day comment period.
Soil Health Partnership Call for Proposals
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) announced it is accepting proposals for partnerships and collaboration for 2019. SHP encourages any organization or individuals who have an interest in working together to submit ideas. Deadline for proposal submission is March 15, 2019. Visit their site here for more information: https://www.soilhealthpartnership.org/news-releases/.
Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Summit
The Ag and Food Policy Summit is an educational event organized by Agri-Pulse being held at the National Press Club on March 18, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The theme for this year’s Summit is “Shaping Farm and Food Policy Strategies for 2040.” Investors are pouring billions of dollars into new agricultural and food startups at the same time as some of the more traditional players are going through consolidations and retirements. Who will survive and thrive? What will the food production and consumption landscape look like over 20 years from now as we work to feed over 9 billion people in a sustainable fashion? How should farm, food and rural policies be modified to facilitate these changes? Click here to register.
USDA Celebrates National Ag Day with New Youth Website
On March 14, 2019, the USDA joins the nation in celebrating National Ag Day by launching a new Youth and Agriculture website. The new website seeks to engage, empower, and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders by featuring three key components of agriculture-focused youth engagement – classroom studies, experiential learning, and leadership training. Young people can learn about USDA summer outreach programs, youth loans for business projects, outdoor volunteering, and employment opportunities.
Source: U.S. Wheat Associates