$2.3B USDA fund aims to elevate U.S. Agri exports

Oct 27, 2023

The agricultural community is buzzing with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recent announcement. A generous fund of $2.3 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation will be directed towards advancing the global reach of U.S. agricultural products and extending international food aid.

Of this amount, the USDA plans to invest $1.3 billion in the Regional Agricultural Trade Promotion Program, with the remaining $1 billion being funneled towards international food aid.

Jim Mulhern, at the helm of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), lauds this step. With the U.S. dairy sector's deep reliance on exports, this new injection of funds is anticipated to intensify its global competitive edge. Mulhern also expressed hope that Congress will further fund vital programs like the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.

Interestingly, these two programs have not seen a budget hike in over a decade and a half, despite their evident profitability. This has prompted calls from the likes of USDEC and NMPF for increased funding.

Ending on a positive note, Krysta Harden, leading the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), conveyed her optimism about the future of the dairy supply chain, reiterating the importance of trade opportunities. With backing from influential Senators and USDA's latest move, the path to broader markets and enriched dairy promotions in food aid appears promising.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.