small farms

Canada is moving closer to a grocery industry Code of Conduct.  It’s an attempt to level the playing field for fresh produce farmers, food manufacturers, and for independent grocers.  Canadian consumers have very few choices in where they buy their groceries.   Recent...

Last month, Washington representative Kim Schrier introduced the Farmers Feeding Families Act of 2022.  The central Washington democrat said the legislation will support small and medium sized farmers and producers by making fresh, healthy, locally grown food more available to families in need.  She add...

Land O’ Lakes is celebrating National Farmers Day by raising consumer awareness of the critical role that farmers play in society by launching the “State of the American Farmer” survey.  The survey revealed some of the misconceptions that Americans have about the state of farming.   On average, Americ...

Last week, the Department of Agriculture announced a $2.2 million award to 16 organizations to educate historically underserved producers, small-scale farmers and others.  The award from USDA's Risk Management Agency funds farm risk management and climate-smart farm practices.  US...

Farming can be challenging. Add to that, the responsibility of marketing and moving those products, it’s enough to make any producer’s head swim. In an effort to help the over 39,000 small farms across the state, the Washington state Department of Agriculture has a Regional Markets team to help navigate some of the complexities. Lau ...

According to an economic analysis report from Oregon State University, exports of agriculture from the state increased 25% over the past six years. That report also showed the number of small farms in Oregon increased since 2015. 3,417 small farms, which is an operation of nine acres or less, have started over the past six years ...

Ask many in the Washington farm community, and they’ll tell you those not connected with the agriculture community not only don’t know what is taking place on today’s farm, they also don’t care. Statistic show fewer and fewer Americans are connected with farming on a personal level, which supporters of farm country say is evident when you look at legislative decisions being made on the state and

On Tuesday, the USDA announced $11.5 million for research to ensure small and medium-sized farms become more profitable. Announced on National Ag Day, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the funding "will give these family farms the tools they need to be more sustainable, profitable and productive as they face agricultural and economic challenges ...

A recent presentation shows Farm Credit institutions increased their support of the young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers across the country in 2019. “Farm Credit grew and strengthened its commitment to young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers in 2019 despite the challenges of continued low commodity prices, severe weather events, and an uncertain trade outlook,” says Farm Credi

Production and marketing contracts play a significant part in the way Ag producers and buyers do business, but to what extent?  USDA's research economists James MacDonald said the contracts are very important.  He noted the contracts cover roughly 40% of all production in Ag.   “They...