Agricultural producers receive $1.75B in USDA emergency aid

Sep 28, 2023

The USDA is stepping up with more than $1.75 billion in emergency relief. This initiative is to aid farmers and livestock producers in overcoming the challenges posed by natural disasters in the past three years.

Tom Vilsack emphasizes the significance of this move. These payments are a testament to the ongoing challenges and steadfast commitment of farmers to supply the nation's essential needs. It’s a win-win, supporting not only the farmers and ranchers but also bolstering community economies and fortifying national food security.

Two pivotal programs are central to this initiative. More than $581 million is allocated through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) for losses experienced due to droughts and wildfires. Additionally, the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) is concluding its second phase by delivering $1.17 billion for crop disaster assistance, focusing on producers without other coverage.

A standout aspect is the no-application-needed policy for certain payments. For example, ranchers under the ELRP will receive an additional 20% automatically. It’s all about making life a little easier for our hardworking agricultural community.

These programs are a piece of the USDA’s broader vision, planning to invest upwards of $19 billion in America’s agricultural producers by the fiscal year's end. It’s a glimpse into the USDA’s daily efforts to enhance America’s food system, aiming for resilience, fairness, and nutritional abundance.

Remember, this is more than an immediate relief. These programs are steppingstones towards a future where our agricultural sector is resilient and food secure. They underscore USDA’s enduring dedication to ensuring the well-being and success of our farming communities.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.