Wisconsin State

Minnesota State

Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) painted a depressing picture in his opening remarks. “Declining prices and cash receipts, escalating natural disasters, and increasing input costs have created a perfect storm that will compromise the foundation of our agricultural economy. We are living through the largest two-year decline in farm income in history,” said Thompson. “At the end of 2024, total farm sector debt will be the highest the U.S. has seen since at least 1970. Most farmers and ranchers, including those here with us today, are likely to be worse off financially by years’ end.”

Farm Financial Conditions are Rough

The Census of Agriculture, which is conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides a comprehensive picture of U.S. farms and ranches. Using data from the 2017 and 2022 censuses, we examined the recent trends in the number of farms and land in farms across several Midwestern states. We included states – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. The 2022 Census confirms that the 21st-century decline in number of farms and land in farms continues in those states.

Farms, land in farms continue decline

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the allocation of $7 million in PRIME grants to 28 awardees for 2024. The Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME) aims to support low-income microentrepreneurs through these grants. “The SBA’s PRIME grants support mission-oriented nonprofit organizations across...

SBA announces $7 million in PRIME grants for low-income microentrepreneurs

Georgia State

Alabama State

With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network. Last week the Biden-Harris Administration announced it has issued payments to eligible applicants under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, which allocated $2.2 billion and directed USDA to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021.

USDA to Pay Out in Discrimination Lawsuit

When you come across something new you want to bring to your farm or try out in your operation, what do you do first?. For some farm leaders, the tendency might be to want to try out nearly every new method or new piece of technology, simply because it is the new thing. For others, the tendency might instead be to reject something because it’s new and hasn’t yet proven itself repeatedly – whether on someone else’s farm or on your own farm.

Want to bring something new to your farm?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $2 billion initiative aimed at compensating individuals who faced discrimination in USDA programs. This historic move seeks to address longstanding issues of inequality and ensure fairness in agricultural support and services. The funds will be distributed to eligible farmers, ranchers, and...

USDA Allocates $2 Billion for Discrimination Payments

The Independent

 The Biden administration has doled out more than $2 billion in direct payments for Black and other minority farmers discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the president announced Wednesday.More than 23,000 farmers were approved for payments ranging from $10,000 to $500,000, according to the USDA. Another 20,000 who planned to start a farm but did not receive a USDA loan received between $3,500 and $6,000. Most payments went to farmers in Mississippi and Alabama. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack told reporters that the aid “is not compensation for anyone’s loss or the pain endured, but it is an...

Black and other minority farmers are getting $2 billion from USDA after years of discrimination

Ethical wildlife photography is crucial for preserving ecosystems and animal welfare. Coming to you from Shem Compion with C4 Photo Safaris, this insightful video dives into the ethics of wildlife photography. Compion emphasizes the significance of responsible photography practices. He explains how, in the early 2000s, the focus was on technical prowess and getting the shot, often at the expense of the animal’s well-being. This video explores how shifting our mindset to ethical practices can lead to more rewarding and impactful photographs.

Ethical Wildlife Photography: Tips from a Pro

South Carolina State

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Explore Beaufort SC

The mantis shrimp is one tough customer. Beautiful and deadly are two words you don’t typically use to describe shrimp, but the mantis shrimp is definitely in a class of its own; earning a reputation as the ‘savage boxer of the sea’ and one of the most fearsome creatures in the ocean. And, they're right at home here in South Carolina.

Savage Boxer of the Sea: The Deadly Beauty of Mantis Shrimp

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but the Sarpy County Premium Auction is contributing toward the growth of the 4-H livestock program. “As a result of the premium auction, we have seen an increase in the number of livestock, poultry and rabbit entries. The premium auction is open to market animals, so naturally, we've seen an uptick in the number of market animals being shown,” reported Brett Kreifels, 4-H urban program coordinator for Douglas-Sarpy County Extension.

Sarpy County Premium Auction growing support for 4-H livestock program

One group is seeking an emergency injunction citing the Supreme Court’s repeal of the Chevron Doctrine

Discrimination relief payments begin as some Black farmers ask courts to include heirs in program

Herbie J Pilato

Actor Buddy Ebsen, who died at age 95 in 2003, found fame by starring in two of the most popular classic television shows in history: The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS, 1962 to 1971) and Barnaby Jones (CBS, 1973 to 1980). On the Hillbillies, he played former Tennessee country mountain-folk-turned-wealthy Beverly Hills resident Jed Clampett. On Barnaby Jones, he was one of TV's most senior, slyest, health-conscious detectives. Ebsen, however, almost became even more famous for a certain big-screen classic film in which he ultimately did not appear.

'Beverly Hillbillies" Actor Buddy Ebsen Was "Bitter" about not playing the Tin Man in 'Wizard of Oz'

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announces changes to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs, effective Sept. 25, 2024 — changes that are intended to increase opportunities for farmers and ranchers to be financially viable. These improvements, part of the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule, demonstrate USDA’s commitment to improving farm profitability through farm loans designed to provide important financing options used by producers to cover operating expenses and purchase land and equipment.

Changes coming to USDA’s FSA Farm Loan Programs

TravelNoire

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reached a historic $2.2 billion settlement to compensate Black and other minority farmers who faced years of systemic discrimination in farm lending programs. This landmark agreement will address decades of unfair treatment. It will also provide financial assistance to those affected by discriminatory practices before January 2021.

USDA Announces $2 Billion Settlement For Black And Minority Farmers

Savannah, GA

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Daily Coffee Press

Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges.

Federal Charges in Southern GA: Indictments and Sentences for Firearms and Drug Offenses

Colorado State

David Heitz

A bill quietly introduced this spring in the Colorado legislature to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia obtained by harm reductionists has become law. As low-key as the legislation was introduced, the bill was signed into law without fanfare June 6. It garnered little to no media attention.

Colorado legalizes needles, pipes for meth and crack if obtained by harm reduction group

Chalkbeat

Sign up for Chalkbeat’s free weekly newsletter to keep up with how education is changing across the U.S.Millions of children in six states won’t get federally backed summer food benefits they’re eligible for until just before school starts. And in Delaware, Montana, and Nevada, half a million kids won’t get them until the new school year begins.Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, provides low-income families with $120 per school-age child to buy groceries over the summer. It’s a rare example of a pandemic-era program that Congress made permanent, and most states are offering it for the first time this...

Summer EBT delays have left families waiting weeks or months for crucial food benefits

Conrad, MT

CONRAD, Mont. – The Wicks farm is kicking off their 2024 harvest season with their lentil crop, opting to swath the organic crop at the end of July. “We are going to swath the lentils today, and in four days or so we’ll start picking those up and then we will go right into the grain,” John Wicks said in a July 30 interview. “We will do the durum and then the spring wheat.”

Wicks kicks off harvest season with lentils

Retirement Daily

Discover the unique advantages experienced entrepreneurs have.

Why Older Entrepreneurs Are Crushing It

South Dakota State

Mitchell, SD

South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) will feature hot ag topics with Congressional leaders, farm broadcaster Mike Pearson and a chance to win $500 in groceries at this year’s Dakotafest, Aug. 20-22 near Mitchell, S.D. All three days SDFB will offer free coffee and doughnuts while supplies last, beginning at...

South Dakota Farm Bureau to host forums at Dakotafest

NewsBreak

Nominate trailblazing farmers

Compeer Financial is accepting nominations for the 2025 Groundbreaker of the Year award through Aug. 30. Every year Compeer celebrates young, beginning and small farmers for...

Nominate trailblazing farmers

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