Hawaii Archives - Morning Ag Clips https://www.morningagclips.com/category/hawaii/ America's #1 Ag News Source Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:40:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.morningagclips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-MAc-Logo1-1-32x32.png Hawaii Archives - Morning Ag Clips https://www.morningagclips.com/category/hawaii/ 32 32 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! https://www.morningagclips.com/merry-christmas-happy-new-year/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:40:46 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657420 GREENWICH, N.Y. — Wow! 2024 is drawing to a close. Where did the year go? I hope all of you will be able to look back on the year’s greatness. Put your pencil to paper as you consider all you learned from 2024; some very important lessons were sprinkled in there. To give time for […]

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GREENWICH, N.Y. — Wow! 2024 is drawing to a close. Where did the year go?

I hope all of you will be able to look back on the year’s greatness. Put your pencil to paper as you consider all you learned from 2024; some very important lessons were sprinkled in there.

To give time for reflection and enjoyment this holiday season, we will not be sending out our daily emails the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The Morning Ag Clips’ daily email will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

There will still be news articles published on our site, so make sure to stay up-to-date by going to morningagclips.com. Every day there will be something new, and there will be an editor watching for breaking ag news every day. But like you, we all need a break, and the only way to get it is to be extremely intentional about it, so we are!

Here’s to you, your family, and a prosperous and healthy New Year! We will see you in 2025!

With love,
Kate

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USCA Looks Ahead to 2025 https://www.morningagclips.com/usca-looks-ahead-to-2025/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:48:21 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=656131 SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) convened in San Antonio, Texas last week for their Annual Meeting, presented by Anipro Xtraformance Nutrition and AgRisk Advisors, and in partnership with USCA affiliate Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas. The meeting provided ample opportunity for networking, education, and policy discussions. “I appreciate all the directors, […]

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) convened in San Antonio, Texas last week for their Annual Meeting, presented by Anipro Xtraformance Nutrition and AgRisk Advisors, and in partnership with USCA affiliate Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas. The meeting provided ample opportunity for networking, education, and policy discussions.

“I appreciate all the directors, members, sponsors, and partners who joined us in San Antonio last week,” USCA President Justin Tupper said. “The Annual Meeting is a critical time to set the direction of the association for the year ahead and join in conversation on issues impacting the industry. The meeting hosted a number of panels focused on hot-button issues and the group has a renewed momentum to make positive change as we enter a new year with a new administration.”

Panel presentation topics this year included emerging technologies, Beef Checkoff, livestock risk protection, and mandatory animal ID. In addition, Certified Angus Beef Director of Commercial Industry Relations Troy Marshall shared a look at the industry and how the branded beef program has impacted its history. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux provided an overview of the tools FSA has to support its producers.

USCA reviews its policies every two years and accepts new policy submissions at the Annual Meeting. This year, new policies were presented regarding animal health and ID, all of which will be sent to the membership on the year’s official ballot.

USCA also welcomed newly appointed Board of Directors members who will be placed on the upcoming ballot, including Todd Clemons (Region XI: Florida and Georgia); Luke Frantz (Region XIV: Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois); and Curtis Thomas (Region I: Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii).

The USCA Annual Meeting sets the policies and focus of the Association for the year ahead, which will culminate this year in the USCA DC Fly-In. Issues to be included for discussion include Animal ID, Producer Profitability and Competition, Trade and more. Any USCA members interested in participating in the 2025 fly-in should contact USCA’s Federal Policy Director Kalina Reini: kalina@wssdc.com.

–U.S. Cattlemen’s Association

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Funding Opportunity Drives Innovation in Sustainable Packaging for Specialty Crop Exports https://www.morningagclips.com/funding-opportunity-drives-innovation-in-sustainable-packaging-for-specialty-crop-exports/ Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:10:23 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=655973 WASHINGTON — The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), in partnership with Clemson University (Clemson) and the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP), today announced a request for research, scale and commercialization applications that can expand U.S export markets through innovative packaging solutions. Emerging global restrictions on single-use and plastic packaging limit […]

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WASHINGTON — The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), in partnership with Clemson University (Clemson) and the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP), today announced a request for research, scale and commercialization applications that can expand U.S export markets through innovative packaging solutions.

Emerging global restrictions on single-use and plastic packaging limit specialty crops’ access to international markets. To accelerate packaging innovation that facilitates market access, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) has awarded $5 million each to Clemson and FFP to establish the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab, with FFAR partnering in its implementation.

The Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab will provide up to twenty awards between $50,000 and $250,000 for research that leads to the development and commercialization of scalable, sustainable packaging solutions, including replacements for single-use packaging.

Packaging plays an important role in the export of fresh fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops, ensuring that food safely travels from the farm to the consumer’s table and supporting production traceability. Exporters now face increasing demands from foreign regulators and consumers to either avoid packaging or use sustainable alternatives.

“Innovative and sustainable packaging solutions are essential for the future of food and agriculture. They reduce environmental impacts, ensure food safety, extend product shelf life and support global market access,” said FFAR Scientific Program Director Dr. Constance Gewa. “As we face increasing restrictions on single-use plastics, developing alternatives is critical to meeting consumer demands and achieving a more sustainable food system.”

FFAR is hosting an informational webinar about this opportunity on January 13, 2025, from 1-2:30 p.m. EST. Participants must register to attend.

Applications are due February 12, 2025, by 5 p.m. EST. For more information, visit the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab open opportunity webpage.


Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research 

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

–Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

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New Marketing Assistance Available for Specialty Crop Producers https://www.morningagclips.com/new-marketing-assistance-available-for-specialty-crop-producers/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:44:58 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=655779 WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, aimed at helping specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs, is now accepting applications from Dec. 10, 2024 through Jan. 8, 2025. Funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, MASC was announced in November […]

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, aimed at helping specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs, is now accepting applications from Dec. 10, 2024 through Jan. 8, 2025. Funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, MASC was announced in November alongside the $140 million Commodity Storage Assistance Program for facilities impacted by 2024 natural disasters.

“Specialty crop growers have typically faced higher marketing and handling costs relative to non-specialty crop producers due to the perishability of fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursery crops and herbs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Through this marketing assistance program, we can expand U.S. specialty crop consumption and markets by providing specialty crop producers the financial support needed to help them engage in activities that broaden and enhance strategies and opportunities for marketing their commodities.”

MASC helps specialty crop producers meet higher marketing costs related to:

  • Perishability of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursey crops and herbs;
  • Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;
  • Packaging to prevent damage;
  • Moving perishables to market quickly; and
  • Higher labor costs.

MASC Eligibility 

To be eligible for MASC, a producer must be in business at the time of application, maintain an ownership share and share in the risk of producing a specialty crop that will be sold in calendar year 2025.

MASC covers the following commercially marketed specialty crops:

  • Fruits (fresh, dried);
  • Vegetables (including dry edible beans and peas, mushrooms, and vegetable seed);
  • Tree nuts;
  • Nursery crops, Christmas trees, and floriculture;
  • Culinary and medicinal herbs and spices; and
  • Honey, hops, maple sap, tea, turfgrass and grass seed.

Applying for MASC 

Eligible established specialty crop producers can apply for MASC benefits by completing the FSA-1140, Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program Application, and submitting the form to any FSA county office by Jan. 8, 2025. When applying, eligible specialty crop producers must certify their specialty crop sales for calendar year 2023 or 2024.

New specialty crop producers are required to certify 2025 expected sales, submit an FSA-1141 application and provide certain documentation to support reported sales i.e., receipts, contracts, acreage reports, input receipts, etc. New producers are those who began producing specialty crops in 2023 or 2024 but did not have sales due to the immaturity of the crop, began producing specialty crops in 2024 but did not have a complete year of sales or will begin growing specialty crops in 2025.

MASC applicants, established and new, must also submit the following information to FSA if not already on file at the time of application:

  • Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
  • Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
  • Form CCC-941, Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information.  
  • Form FSA-942, Certification of Income from Farming, Ranching and Forestry Operations, if applicable, for the producer and members of entities.
  • A highly erodible land conservation (sometimes referred to as HELC) and wetland conservation certification (Form AD-1026 Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification) for the ERP producer and applicable affiliates.
  • Other Documentation if requested by FSA to support reported specialty crop sales.

Most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, will likely have these required forms on file. However, those who are uncertain or want to confirm the status of their forms or producers who may be new to conducting business with FSA, can contact their local FSA county office.

For MASC program participation, eligible specialty crop sales only include sales of commercially marketed raw specialty crops grown in the United States by the producer. The portion of sales derived from adding value to a specialty crop (such as sorting, processing, or packaging) is not included when determining eligible sales. Further explanation of what is considered by FSA for specialty crop sales as well as an online MASC decision tool and applicable program forms, are available on the MASC program webpage.

MASC Payments 

For established specialty crop growers, those who certify crop sales in 2023 or 2024, FSA will calculate MASC payments based on the producer’s total specialty crop sales for the calendar year elected by the producer. Payments for new producers will be based on their expected 2025 calendar year sales. Payment calculation details and examples are available on the MASC webpage or related questions can be directed to local FSA county office staff.

FSA will issue MASC payments after the end of the application period. If demand for MASC payments exceeds available funding, MASC payments may be prorated, and the payment limitation of $125,000 may be lowered.  If additional funding is available after MASC payments are issued, FSA may issue an additional payment.

Specialty crop producers interested in applying for MASC benefits, are encouraged to review the program fact sheet for detailed information on program eligibility, required documentation, payment calculations and more.

More Information 

Additional information on MASC is available in the Notice of Funding Availability, which went on public inspection in the Federal Register on Dec. 9, 2024.

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

–USDA

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FFAR & OCP Announce Fertilizer Fellowship Awardees & Grant Opportunity https://www.morningagclips.com/ffar-ocp-announce-fertilizer-fellowship-awardees-grant-opportunity/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 23:45:26 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=655071 WASHINGTON and WAYZATA, Minn. — The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and OCP North America (OCPNA), a subsidiary of the global plant-nutrition company OCP Group, today announced the 2023 winners of the FFAR-OCP Disruptive Fertilizer Technology Fellowship (FFAR-OCP Fellowship). In addition, on December 11, 2024, FFAR and OCPNA will begin accepting applications for 2024 Fellowships and will host a […]

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WASHINGTON and WAYZATA, Minn. — The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and OCP North America (OCPNA), a subsidiary of the global plant-nutrition company OCP Group, today announced the 2023 winners of the FFAR-OCP Disruptive Fertilizer Technology Fellowship (FFAR-OCP Fellowship). In addition, on December 11, 2024, FFAR and OCPNA will begin accepting applications for 2024 Fellowships and will host a webinar featuring the 2022 cohort.

While fertilizers are essential for healthy, high-yielding crops, excess fertilizer can result in harmful environmental consequences. Farmers need improved fertilizer technologies and guidance to improve soil and plant health, crop productivity and environmental resilience.

The FFAR-OCP Fellowship aims to provide early-career scientists with opportunities to advance research on precision fertilizer application methods and nutrient recommendation methods, as well as guidance on land applications of animal waste to customize and enhance fertilizer efficiency. Ultimately, the FFAR-OCP Fellowship intends to deliver new innovations in fertilizer products that are safe, effective, commercially scalable and easily understood by farmers. The FFAR-OCP Fellowship is a two-year program supported by $250,000 from both FFAR and OCPNA for a total program fund of $500,000.

The FFAR-OCP Fellowship is accepting applications for the 2024 cohort beginning at noon EST December 11, 2024, until 5 p.m. EST on January 29, 2025. The request for applications includes additional information about research priorities and eligibility requirements. Each awardee may receive up to $75,000 in funding, and applicants are not required to secure additional funds. For more information visit the FFAR-OCP Fellowship Open Opportunity page.

The 2023 FFAR-OCP Fellows are:

  • Dr. Fabian Beeckman of VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology received $75,000 through the Fellowship, which was matched by Ghent University, to develop naturally occurring nitrification inhibitors. Nitrification, a microbial soil process, contributes to nitrogen pollution and nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Using an innovative miniaturized soil-based assay, thousands of natural compounds will be screened for inhibition potential on a diverse microbial soil community, maximizing inhibitor efficiency. Unlike costly synthetic inhibitors, biological alternatives can simplify regulatory approval and align with consumer demands for chemical-free, organic-approved farming, offering a sustainable way to reduce nitrogen fertilization’s environmental impact by enhancing fertilizer efficiency.
  • Dr. Benjamin Wang of Stanford University received $75,000 through the Fellowship, which was matched by Stanford University, to develop an environmentally sustainable gas-based process for manufacturing agricultural chemicals, including specialty fertilizers. When applied to plants, this process improves nitrogen use efficiency by stimulating plants’ ability to take up nutrients and water, enabling growers to combat drought conditions and increase crop yields with less fertilizer use.

FFAR and OCPNA will host a webinar December 11 at noon EST to introduce Dr. Beeckman and Dr. Wang. The webinar will also include a panel featuring the three inaugural 2022 FFAR-OCP Fellows discussing their research and emerging breakthroughs in innovative fertilizer technologies. Registration for the webinar is required.

The following 2022 FFAR-OCP Fellows are participating in the webinar:

  • Dr. Maarten Everaert, KU Leuven
  • Dr. Kanwardeep S. Rawale, Biotech Naturale, Inc.
  • Dr. Utsav Shashvatt, University of California, Berkeley

Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

–Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

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Vote for Your Favorite Animals of Autumn Contest Winner https://www.morningagclips.com/vote-for-your-favorite-animals-of-autumn-contest-winner/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:07:18 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=654769 ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Purina Animal Nutrition is celebrating animals and their caretakers this fall with the 2024 Animals of Autumn social media contest that showcases the special bond shared between owners and their chickens, goats, horses, ducks and more across the country. Voting to choose the grand prize winner is open now through Dec. […]

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ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Purina Animal Nutrition is celebrating animals and their caretakers this fall with the 2024 Animals of Autumn social media contest that showcases the special bond shared between owners and their chickens, goats, horses, ducks and more across the country. Voting to choose the grand prize winner is open now through Dec. 6 on the Purina Flock Facebook page.

“Fall is an important time to prepare our animal friends for the winter,” says Patrick Biggs, Ph.D., nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition. “With the Animals of Autumn Contest, we’re spotlighting this key time of year and the unique connections owners, and their surrounding communities, have with their animals.”

Animals of Autumn Contest details and finalists

Contestants entered the Animals of Autumn Contest by commenting on the Purina Flock Facebook page with a photo or video of their animal companions that best fit one of four categories using the #AnimalsofAutumnSweepstakes hashtag. Fans voted by liking and commenting on their favorite entries, and the field has now been narrowed to four finalists:

  • Critter Counsel: Lori McCoy from Morley, Mo., won this category with photos of her hen, Hei Hei, sharing the lessons chickens can teach us.
  • Neighborhood Charmer: Kendra Herman from Shreve, Ohio, won this category with her photos of Kajun, showing how horses make the best of friends.
  • Master of Mischief: Natalie Tenney-Pakkala from Travelers Rest, S.C., won this category with her photos of Squirt, a rooster who’s fun, friendly and full of sass.
  • Happiest Hangout: Athena Balderas from North Logan, Utah, won this category with her photos of the backyard paradise that her Silkie chickens call home.

These four finalists took home $100 in Purina® feed coupons and Purina® merchandise and qualified for the final round of voting in the Animals of Autumn Contest. Final grand prize voting will run from 9:00 a.m. CST on Dec. 2 to 12:00 p.m. CST on Dec. 6. The champion will receive $500 in Purina® feed coupons.

Join the celebration by voting for your favorite Animals of Autumn at facebook.com/PurinaFlock.


About Purina

Purina Animal Nutrition LLC (www.purinamills.com) is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers throughout the United States. Driven to unlock the greatest potential in every animal, the company is an industry-leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn. and a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc.

–Purina Animal Nutrition LLC

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Farmworker Housing and Firefighters: Free Webinar, Dec. 6 https://www.morningagclips.com/farmworker-housing-and-firefighters-free-webinar-dec-6/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:53:17 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=654765 ONLINE — Farmworker housing poses unique challenges to rural fire departments in terms of both fire code inspections and emergency response. Furthermore, many first responders are unaware of the various mandates surrounding farmworker housing. A free webinar, noon-1 p.m. (Central Time) on Dec. 6, will introduce firefighters, other first responders, and health and safety professionals […]

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ONLINE — Farmworker housing poses unique challenges to rural fire departments in terms of both fire code inspections and emergency response. Furthermore, many first responders are unaware of the various mandates surrounding farmworker housing.

A free webinar, noon-1 p.m. (Central Time) on Dec. 6, will introduce firefighters, other first responders, and health and safety professionals to incident prevention and emergency response considerations, and increase understanding about farmworkers and relevant housing standards so that the agricultural community can better engage in risk mitigation and emergency pre-planning activities.

The webinar is being co-hosted by the Rural Firefighters Delivering Agricultural Safety and Health (RF-DASH) team at the National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, Wis.; and the National Center for Farmworker Health. The webinar is free but registration is required. To register, and for more information, visit Farmworker Housing and Firefighters Webinar – RF-DASH

Speakers include:

  • Casper Bendixsen, director, National Farm Medicine Center
  • Bethany Alcauter, director, Research and Public Health Programs, National Center for Farmworker Health
  • Aaron Andre, fire prevention coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
  • Kathryn Mueller, chief, Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program and Planning Section, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
  • Dennis Dederich, chief, Vesper Volunteer Fire Department
  • Jerry Minor, chief, Pittsville Fire Company

There are approximately 2.9 million agricultural workers in the United States, including seasonal and migrant farmworkers. It is estimated that nearly a third of farmworkers live in crowded housing conditions and as many as 15 percent live in employer-provided housing.

–National Farm Medicine Center

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Resources Offer Guidance for Producers New to Crop Insurance https://www.morningagclips.com/resources-offer-guidance-for-producers-new-to-crop-insurance/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:01:13 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=654019 NEVADA, Iowa — Across the U.S., producers are facing unpredictable or extreme weather events which can cause financial difficulties. Risk management, in the form of crop insurance, can offer financial protection. To aid producers new to crop insurance, whether they are commodity corn and soybean growers or raising organic and specialty crops, the Center for […]

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NEVADA, Iowa — Across the U.S., producers are facing unpredictable or extreme weather events which can cause financial difficulties. Risk management, in the form of crop insurance, can offer financial protection.

To aid producers new to crop insurance, whether they are commodity corn and soybean growers or raising organic and specialty crops, the Center for Rural Affairs has created the “Crop Insurance 101” series that addresses frequently asked questions.

“Signing up for crop insurance, especially for the first time, can be daunting,” said Kelsey Willardson, policy associate with the Center. “With shifts in weather patterns and extreme events like flooding and drought, it is important that all producers have access to crop insurance, and sometimes this access depends on understanding the basics.”

Federal crop insurance is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency and provides financial protection for producers who face yield or revenue losses caused by natural causes or market fluctuations.

The first of the series, “Weathering the Unpredictable: The Protection Crop Insurance Provides,” describes common perils that result in these losses, as well as which crop insurance policies cover each type of loss.

The series continues with resources outlining important dates to remember and instructions for filing a claim. This includes dates that producers must follow to maintain eligibility for crop insurance coverage, such as the sales closing date, premium billing date, and final planting date. In addition, the guide contains details producers need when filing a claim to ensure they receive full coverage.

“The process may seem complicated to newcomers, but there’s no need to navigate the process alone,” said Willardson. “These guides are meant to serve as a starting point for a conversation with your crop insurance agent.”

Another resource in the series includes an overview of Prevented Plant Coverage. Many producers are familiar with crop insurance policies that offer financial protection for damaged or destroyed crops; Prevented Plant Coverage, however, offers protection from the loss of crops that could not be planted in the first place.

“Farmers face many risks in their profession, and all farmers should have access to the safety net that crop insurance provides,” said Willardson.

To view these guides in both English and Spanish, visit cfra.org/crop-insurance-resources.

Farmers with questions about crop insurance are invited to reach out to the Center for Rural Affairs for one-on-one support. Contact kelseyw@cfra.org or 641.218.4694.


Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

–Center for Rural Affairs

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USDA Confirms HPAI in Backyard Non-Poultry Flock in Hawaii https://www.morningagclips.com/usda-confirms-hpai-in-backyard-non-poultry-flock-in-hawaii/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:55:19 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=653435 WASHINGTON — The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Honolulu County, Hawaii. This is the first case of HPAI in domestic birds in Hawaii during this outbreak, which began in February […]

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WASHINGTON — The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Honolulu County, Hawaii. This is the first case of HPAI in domestic birds in Hawaii during this outbreak, which began in February 2022.

Samples from the flock were tested at the Hawaii State Laboratories Division, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in Hawaii on a joint incident response and will provide appropriate support as requested.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low.  As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, Federal and State partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flock. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Visit APHIS’ Defend the Flock Resource Center for materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit.

USDA will report these findings to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as well as international trading partners. USDA also continues to communicate with trading partners to encourage adherence to WOAH standards and minimize trade impacts. WOAH trade guidelines call on countries to base trade restrictions on sound science and, whenever possible, limit restrictions to those animals and animal products within a defined region that pose a risk of spreading disease of concern. WOAH trade guidelines also call on member countries to not impose bans on the international trade of poultry commodities in response to notifications in non-poultry.

APHIS will continue to announce the first case of HPAI in commercial and backyard flocks detected in a State but will not announce subsequent detections in the State. All cases in commercial and backyard flocks will be listed on the APHIS website.

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through APHIS’ toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. APHIS urges producers to consider bringing birds indoors when possible to further prevent exposures. The Animal Health Protection Act authorizes APHIS to provide indemnity payments to producers for birds and eggs that must be depopulated during a disease response. APHIS also provides compensation for disposal activities and virus elimination activities. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found on APHIS’ Defend the Flock webpage.

Additional background

Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype and can be further broken down into different strains which circulate within flyways/geographic regions. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity (low or high)—the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic poultry.


APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

–USDA APHIS

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FFAR & Danone North America Announce Grant Opportunity to Support Regenerative Agriculture https://www.morningagclips.com/ffar-danone-north-america-announce-grant-opportunity-to-support-regenerative-agriculture/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:44:43 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=653431 WASHINGTON and WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and Danone North America announced the opening of a Request for Applications (RFA) focused on promoting regenerative agriculture. The grant opportunity Understanding the Impact of Hub Farm Resources in Expanding Adoption of Regenerative Agriculture Practices will provide up to $450,000 total over one to two awards for […]

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WASHINGTON and WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and Danone North America announced the opening of a Request for Applications (RFA) focused on promoting regenerative agriculture. The grant opportunity Understanding the Impact of Hub Farm Resources in Expanding Adoption of Regenerative Agriculture Practices will provide up to $450,000 total over one to two awards for research fostering the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.

Regenerative agriculture practices like cover crops can sustain healthy agroecosystems by improving biodiversity and soil and water health. To encourage broader adoption of regenerative agriculture practices, we need innovative solutions that farmers can easily access and use. This RFA seeks to promote the use of regenerative practices by understanding the impact hub farms – cooperative locations to share resources and best practices – can have on adopting these practices.

This funding intends to support socio-economic research on both large and small dairy farms that aims to promote replication of hub farm best management practices across the farm environments. The research should also provide guidance for encouraging middle adopters of regenerative agriculture practices to increase and maintain cover crop acres and facilitate the acquisition of appropriate equipment and infrastructure to scale these practices. Such activities aim to stimulate more resource sharing opportunities for new and middle adopters of regenerative agriculture practices. These new and middle adopters will include underserved producers that may identify as Mennonite and Amish.

Thanks to Danone’s support, matching funds are optional but encouraged. Applications are due February 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST. For more information and to apply, visit here.

“Promoting regenerative agriculture practices and sustainable food systems require community support and buy-in to be successful,” said Dr. LaKisha Odom, FFAR scientific program director for Agroecosystems. “FFAR is proud to partner with Danone North America to fund this opportunity that will encourage both environmental and nutritional health.”

“We are proud to support the adoption of economically viable regenerative farming practices among all communities so that we can collectively ensure the longevity of our food system,” said Jessie Copeland, Head of Regenerative Agriculture at Danone North America. “Our approach to engaging partners is rooted in closely listening to individual farmer needs, and this RFA opportunity with FFAR enables us to provide support that farmers can use for their custom shared resources.”

FFAR also recently partnered with the Danone Institute North America (DINA), a non-profit managed by Danone North America, to provide funding for three additional grants that focus on agriculture communities as part of the DINA Sustainable Food Systems InitiativeApplications for these grants are now open. More information on this program is available here.


Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

Connect: @FoundationFAR 

About Danone North America

Danone North America is a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. As a Certified B Corporation®, Danone North America is committed to the creation of both economic and social value, while nurturing natural ecosystems through regenerative agriculture. Our strong portfolio of brands includes: Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®. With approximately 6,000 employees and 15 production locations across the U.S. and Canada, Danone North America’s mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. For more information on Danone North America, visit danonenorthamerica.com.   

–Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
Danone North America

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