Did you miss some agricultural news this week? We’re here to help. Here’s a summary of the top headlines in agriculture from around the country.
USDA to transform food supply
Every component of the food supply chain has been tested in recent years. USDA unveiled a framework showing how to help improve the food supply chain and create a more resilient food system. The framework includes $300 million for transitioning to organic, $375 million for expanding independent meat and processing, $400 million to create regional food business centers and up to $600 million in financial assistance to support the food supply chain infrastructure. – Farm Progress
Fire at commercial egg farm
A fire at a commercial egg farm in Minnesota Saturday night left thousands of chickens dead. The fire began on May 28 at a Forsman Farms facility near Cokato, Minnesota. Around 200,000 birds were in the building where the fire broke out. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage is being investigated. – Fox 9
Truterra reopens carbon program enrollment
Truterra recently announced the opening of an additional one-month sign-up period for its 2022 carbon program. After successful verification, farmers can earn up to $25 per ton upfront for new carbon stored in soils. Instead of a set payment per acre like some programs, Truterra pays farmers based on actual carbon stored. – Farm Progress
Ukraine farm becomes wartime sanctuary
The war in Ukraine has upended many lives and destroyed many homes. The exigencies of the war have also forced many to leave their animals behind. Green Grove is a farm in Ukraine that has become an unexpected sanctuary for displaced animals. The roster now includes dozens of sheep, goats, cows, pigs, horses, geese, African hens and other kinds of fowl, rabbits, dogs, cats and a pair of emus, with every week bringing new additions. – Los Angeles Times
New facility to challenge meat packing giants
Kingsbury & Associates and Sirius Realty of Rapid City, S.D. and Greenville, S.C., have announced plans to construct a processing facility in Western South Dakota. The facility will have the capacity to process 8,000 head of beef each day and include a specialty bison line. “We want to compete with the big four meat packing giants and be that all-important ‘second bidder’ in the cash market,” says Megan Kingsbury, president and Managing Partner. – BEEF
Women in agriculture
While farming may still be a male-dominated industry, women are definitely making a mark on the ag industry. The U.S. has 1.2 million female farmers, accounting for 36% of the country’s 3.4 million total. Female producers are slightly younger, more likely to be a beginning farmer, and more likely to live on the farm they operate than male producers. Learn more about how women are playing a role in farming. – Farm Progress
Celebrate June Dairy Month
It’s officially June, which means it is National Dairy Month! Celebrate with your favorite dairy treat – ice cream, yogurt, cheese curds, or much more. From calcium to potassium, dairy products like milk contain nine essential nutrients which may help to better manage your weight, reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers. – International Dairy Foods Association