AMS

Last week, U.S. dairy producers approved the referendum on proposed changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders.  Dana Coale, deputy administrator of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, said the agency is happy producers approved the referendum.   “The f...

The USDA is out with changes and alterations to proposed amendments of the Federal Milk Marketing Orders, better known as FMMOs.  So, what adjustments were made between July's proposed recommendations and the final decision announced last week.   “...

AMS and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture have awarded $5.5 million for 27 projects statewide through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program.   “The goal is to provide opportunities to support infrastructure and update equipment in the middle of the supply chain," said the ISDA's Sydney Kennedy.  "So, wha...

The National Chicken Council strongly urged USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to withdraw its proposed rule, “Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets. The group says the rule represents an impermissible attempt to make an end-run around established judicial precedent for requiring a showing of injury to competition to sue and win under Section 202 of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Building capacity building infrastructure, building demand, all aspects of the USDA grant program centered on organic growers and the organic industry.   “We're excited to announce our 4th and final round of the Organic Market Development Grants. This is $...

AMS is among the Department of Agriculture's mission areas, expanding its use of data visualization to aggregate and present data.  Levi Geyer of AMS said its livestock auction market news recently received the dashboard treatment.   “...

Because of the pandemic, many businesses and industry were forced to adopt new restrictions and guidelines very quickly, including the aquaculture industry.  But, thanks to AMS, some of those costs can now be addressed. Through the Agricultural Marketing Service Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program, another round of grants are available to seafood processors and proc

A 2012 change in school meal nutrition standards drove changes in the type of foods schools purchased.  According to data released by ERS this week, following the change in standards, schools obtained more fruits and vegetables through USDA Foods and especially through USDA’s Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.  While there w...

The Department of Agriculture this week announced 15 organizations to receive funding through the Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant Program.   Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, "The grant recipients today will help us provide relief payments to workers across the country who kept food moving to our families during an especially challenging time." ...

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service published a Notice to Trade related to the Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program.  The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said the Library is designed to be a tool for cattle producers, making information available that may allow them to capture unrealized value for their livestock.   “We are plea...