David Haight’s Post

Congress is trying to connect beginning farmers and farmers of color to available land: here's how that's working out so far, in our new article led by Megan Horst and with Julia Freedgood and Indiana University Research.

In our latest blog, Danielle Waller explores the Rock Review which was undertaken to investigate how tenant farmers could be better supported to ensure a resilient agricultural tenanted sector for the future. Within it, the review’s recommendations pinpointed areas of concern that the Government should address to ensure tenant farmers were not disadvantaged long-term - https://lnkd.in/eGrdA8pF

As the new Defra Ministers get their feet under the table the National Audit Office has published their latest “Value for Money” Report on The Farming and Countryside Programme. For the record new names to get used to: Steve Reed OBE MP, DEFRA Secretary of State; Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister of State (Farming Minister). Farmers need quality advice and support to adapt, but Defra has not yet ensured that they can access what they need. Around half of England’s farmers say they are not at all positive about their future in farming. The Farming and Countryside Programme aims to fundamentally change England’s farms. The stakes are high for environment, food production and farm viability. To achieve the Programme’s objectives, many farmers need to transform the way they farm. Defra’s modelling shows the extent of productivity improvements that are needed for farm businesses to maintain viability. Defra expects the removal of direct payments to stimulate most of the required productivity improvements, but evidence is inconclusive on whether this will be achieved. The report hints that the slow rollout and “iterative approach” to change, makes it difficult for farmers to plan their businesses. Gaps in the Programme’s data on environmental outcomes is limiting Defra’s own ability to fully understand the impact on the environment and whether it is on track to achieve value for money. https://lnkd.in/dRhQCXFn #TheFarmingandCountrysideProgramme #MakingFarmingDifficult

A recently released House proposal for the overdue 2024 Farm Bill is sparking significant concerns. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack warns the bill, introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-Penn.), could cause an impasse due to proposed SNAP cuts and shifting disaster relief control to Congress. The bill could lead to a $30 billion cut to SNAP over the next decade. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and a member of the House Agriculture Committee, emphasizes the need for bipartisanship: “I'm committed to keeping it that way.” Tribal perspectives highlight the delay's impact on new opportunities for tribal producers. Abi Fain from the Intertribal Agriculture Council hopes to maintain momentum from the 2018 Farm Bill. The Native Farm Bill Coalition appreciates bipartisan efforts, but urges more inclusion of tribal priorities. It’s crucial to push for a Farm Bill that supports all communities, including tribal nations. Tribal Business News has the story. #FarmBill #Agriculture #SNAP #USDA #TribalNations #Bipartisanship #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture

The *Farm Bill* is a comprehensive, multiyear law that governs various agricultural and food programs in the United States. It serves as the primary policy instrument for agriculture and food-related matters at the federal level. Here are some key points about the Farm Bill: 1. **Purpose and Scope**: - The Farm Bill provides an opportunity for policymakers to address a wide range of agricultural and food issues comprehensively. - It covers programs related to farming, conservation, nutrition, trade, and disaster assistance. 2. **Regular Updates**: - Congress typically passes a new Farm Bill every **five to six years**. - Each iteration reflects changes in agricultural practices, economic conditions, and societal needs. 3. **Implementation and Oversight**: - After enactment, federal agencies, such as the **U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)**, implement the Farm Bill's provisions. - Congress oversees its implementation to ensure effective execution. 4. **Program Areas**: - **Commodity Programs**: These address support for specific crops, dairy, and risk management. - **Conservation Programs**: Aimed at environmental stewardship and sustainable land use. - **Nutrition Assistance Programs**: Including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). - **Trade and Export Promotion**: Supporting agricultural exports. - **Rural Development and Disaster Assistance**: Fostering rural communities and aiding during emergencies. In summary, the Farm Bill plays a crucial role in supporting farmers, ranchers, and forest stewards while shaping agricultural policies and programs across the nation¹²³⁵. Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/24/2024 (1) Farm Bill | USDA. https://lnkd.in/gjDw_Qak. (2) Farm Bill Primer: What Is the Farm Bill? - CRS Reports. https://lnkd.in/gC8JVJh2. (3) United States farm bill - Wikipedia. https://lnkd.in/g6D-4vmr. (4) Farm Bill Home - USDA Farm Service Agency. https://lnkd.in/gu7aHdC7. (5) 2018 Farm Bill Primer: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 - CRS Reports. https://lnkd.in/gT6DYZrZ.

A recently released House proposal for the overdue 2024 Farm Bill is sparking significant concerns. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack warns the bill, introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-Penn.), could cause an impasse due to proposed SNAP cuts and shifting disaster relief control to Congress. The bill could lead to a $30 billion cut to SNAP over the next decade. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and a member of the House Agriculture Committee, emphasizes the need for bipartisanship: “I'm committed to keeping it that way.” Tribal perspectives highlight the delay's impact on new opportunities for tribal producers. Abi Fain from the Intertribal Agriculture Council hopes to maintain momentum from the 2018 Farm Bill. The Native Farm Bill Coalition appreciates bipartisan efforts but urges more inclusion of tribal priorities. It’s crucial to push for a Farm Bill that supports all communities, including tribal nations. Tribal Business News has the story. #FarmBill #Agriculture #SNAP #USDA #TribalNations #Bipartisanship #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture

Cooperatives play a vital role in the fabric of rural America, supporting local economies, providing essential services, and empowering communities. From agriculture to utilities, co-ops are driving innovation and fostering a sense of unity across the country. 🌾💪 Check out this article from USDA to learn more about how cooperatives are strengthening rural communities and helping them thrive! 👉

#FarmNuggetsWeekends "The future of agriculture lies in thinking like a business not just as a way of life" - Howard G Buffet A Farmer's success secret lies here....................... Every farmer dreams of producing high-quality, abundant yields. In my career, I’ve met farmers who dove into the industry, made huge profits, and became success stories. However, many others have struggled or abandoned the effort, while a majority fall somewhere in between—neither thriving nor giving up, just continuing out of routine. So, what makes the difference? Farmers tend to fall into three categories: successful, unsuccessful, and those still struggling. *The Successful: These farmers have one thing in common: preparedness. They lay the groundwork before they start, ensuring they have the necessary capital, whether from loans or support, and create detailed business plans. They know what they want to achieve, invest time in their farms, and learn from other successful farmers. They aren’t afraid to consult specialists—like our expert felister kiundu at Mzizi *The Unsuccessful: While there isn’t one common issue here, high expectations, impatience, and poor record keeping are frequent challenges. Many can afford the necessary inputs but still fall short due to a lack of planning or documentation. Need help with record keeping? Join others here: https://mziziapp.com/ *The Struggling: These farmers range from nearly successful to near failures, but they persist. They often face resource constraints, yet they show incredible determination. With the right support, many in this group could succeed. If you haven’t joined the successful Irish potato farmers in Kenya, you’re missing out! Join Mzizi here: https://lnkd.in/deH8Gkkb Book your record-keeping copy here:https://lnkd.in/dv3H_bia felister kiundu,Brian Njoroge,Wilson Heri,Ruth Kariuki,Jean Cawood Simon,Philip Odino,Maurine Cheptum,Ruth Kariuki,Tianamalala RABARIHOELA,Winnie Wambugu,Liza Lievens

NFF Delivers 17 Priorities for Federal Budget to Advance Agriculture! "Agriculture is a powerhouse in the Australian economy...by supporting the industry, the Government can ensure its success for decades to come." Read more from our President David Jochinke

Exciting news for Michigan's agricultural community🌳The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development has announced the availability of over $8 million in grants through the Michigan Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. These grants are designed to enhance the processing, storage, and distribution capabilities of local and regional food products. Whether you're looking to expand, modernize equipment, or enhance your operational capacity, this grant might be the right opportunity for you. Learn more about how you can benefit from this grant program on our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/giz6tXZg Understanding the intricacies of grant applications can be challenging. At Wooten Grants Consulting, we specialize in navigating the complexities of grant writing to help your agribusiness secure the funding it needs to grow.