U.S. Department of Agriculture News

Nearly 25 Tons of Smoked Sausage Products Recalled by Texas Company

A Texas company has recalled nearly 25 tons of smoked sausage products due to possible plastic contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a statement saying the recall by Eddy Packing Co. in Yoakum involves products with packing dates of …

12 Arizona Counties Re-Designated Natural Disaster Areas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the re-designation of 12 Arizona counties as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by recent drought. The Mohave Valley Daily News reported farmers in eligible counties have eight months to …

Uncertainty Hangs Over Florida Citrus Growers After Irma’s Damage to Crops

Although the 2017-18 citrus harvest has barely begun, growers are already planning for the 2018-19 season, and they have critical decisions to make in the coming months that will affect next season’s crop and perhaps others in years to come. …

Arkansas Farmers Get $466M in Payments for Crop Losses in 2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Arkansas farmers received $466 million in federal “safety net” payments this year for their crop losses in 2016, third highest in the nation. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that this year’s payments are $100 million …

Chicken Dish Recalled by California Company over Listeria Fears

A California-based Indian food company has recalled pre-packaged chicken tikka masala products over possible listeria contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said this week that the recalled dishes by Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian Foods have a …

U.S. Senator Calls for Increased USDA Response to North Dakota Drought

U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to send more workers to western North Dakota, where she says understaffed Farm Service Agency offices are dealing with an overwhelming workload worsened by a summer of crippling …

Iowa’s Grassley in ‘Violent Opposition’ to Withdrawal of Rule Protecting Animal Farmers

The Trump administration’s decision to kill a rule designed to protect the rights of farmers who raise chickens, cows and hogs for the United States’ largest meat processors has infuriated farmer advocates, including a Republican senator from Iowa who said …

Disaster Designation Issued For 11 Alabama Counties

Eleven Alabama counties are under a natural disaster designation after excessive rainfall and flooding from Tropical Storm Cindy. The conditions caused extensive damage to crops, sparking Gov. Kay Ivey to ask for federal assistance for Alabama farmers in June. U.S. …

North Carolina Company Recalls 5K Pounds of Ground Beef

A North Carolina company is recalling nearly 5,000 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with plastic foam. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said in a news release Tuesday that JBS USA Inc. of …

More New York Malt Barley Farmers Eligible for Crop Insurance

Malt barley farmers in 44 upstate New York counties are now eligible for crop insurance from the federal government. Malt barley is a necessary ingredient in beer and spirits, and the lack of crop insurance had hindered expansion of the …