A survey from AgCareers.com showed that agricultural employers are working for employees with "problem solving skills" and "decision making skills". These were listed as the most important with "organization skills", "planning skills", and "teamwork" following. Some other skills that were examined for the success of the employee were sustainability, data science, and food science.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has developed an attack against Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) in Honeybees. DWV, along with other viruses, is responsible for millions of colonies dying worldwide, and it is vital to keep these Honeybees alive as they are an important piece of the agricultural industry.
Four $5,000 scholarships are available for high school seniors, graduates, or current college undergraduates residing and studying in the U.S. Purina and the Land O' Lakes Foundation have teamed up to give these students who have experience in agriculture and livestock production. Applications are open from March 18th through April 17th.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is starting a new conservation initiative, the Working Lands for Wildlife's Northern Bobwhite Pilot Project. This project was started to benefit the populations of Bobwhite quail and other game and non-game species on private working lands. Anyone interested in becoming involved in this project should contact USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
According to a new report from the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS), a large majority of commodity production came from large scale family farms, with the largest percentage being 76% of dairy products. However, small family farms also contributed to this commodity production in 2022, with the largest contribution being 53% of hay production.
Wilton Simpson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, has announced that farmers can now apply for the Florida Farm Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials (TEAM) card. This wallet-sized plastic card can be used when purchasing agricultural materials and these farmers will receive tax exemption.
Whole milk, or red topped milk, will be back into schools very soon. Dr. John Joyce says, " “Individuals who consume more than two dairy products each day have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. There are lower morbidity associated with those who have whole milk and whole milk products in their diet.” This bill passed on a 330-99 margin on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023.
A new social media campaign is being launched by the Wheat Foods Council (WFC) to educate fitness professionals and trainers on the health benefits of including wheat in a healthy diet. “By harnessing the power of social media, the campaign creates a dialogue, encourages knowledge sharing, and inspires a shift in how the fitness industry views wheat foods in a healthy lifestyle,” says WFC President Tim O’Connor.
Cal-Maine Food and Rose Acre Farms along with United Egg Producers and United States Egg Marketers were all found guilty of conspiring to increase the price of eggs and egg products back in 2011. These companies exported eggs from the country to limit the supply available to Americans and limited the number of chickens that were available for laying eggs.
The 2018 Farm Bill has been extended one more year to September 2024. Zippy Duval, American Farm Bureau Federation President, says "“We are grateful Congress passed a farm bill extension to avoid serious program disruptions and we encourage President Biden to sign it. However, we urge both the House and Senate to stay focused on a new, modernized farm bill that recognizes the many changes and challenges of the past five years."
