News Update
May 5, 2014
Statement from Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack on
Updated 2012 Census of
Agriculture Data
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement on the updated 2012 Census of Agriculture data:
“The census results reiterate the continued need for policies that help grow the rural economy from the middle out. The data illustrate the power of USDA efforts to grow the economy and strengthen infrastructure in rural America, create new market opportunities for farmers and ranchers, and provide access to capital, credit and disaster assistance for producers of all sizes. The census also shows the potential for continued growth in the bioeconomy, organics and local and regional food systems. USDA will continue to focus on innovative, creative policies that give farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs the tools they need to attract a bright and diverse body of talent to rural America.”
Highlights of the 2012 Census of Agriculture data release include:
- Twenty-two percent of all farmers were beginning farmers in 2012. That means one out of every five farmers operated a farm for less than 10 years.
- Young, beginning principal operators who reported their primary occupation as farming increased from 36,396 to 40,499 between 2007 and 2012. That’s an 11.3% increase in the number of young people getting into agriculture as a full-time job.
- Seventy percent of all farms in the United States had Internet access in 2012, up from 56.5% in 2007, but there is more work to be done to expand Internet access in rural America.
- Nearly 150,000 farmers and ranchers nationwide are selling their products directly to consumers, and 50,000 are selling to local retailers. Industry estimates valued local food sales at $7 billion in 2011, reflecting the growing importance of this new market to farm and ranch businesses.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Kentucky Grazing School is May 21-22
New and experienced forage producers can receive educational information on the attributes of more profitable and nutritious grazing systems during the 2014 Kentucky Grazing School.
The school will be May 21-22 at the Woodford County office of the University of Kentucky (UK) Cooperative Extension Service. Hands-on field exercises will occur at UK’s C. Oran Little Research Center, also in Woodford County.
Hosted by extension specialists from the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the school will begin at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time and adjourn at 5:30 p.m.
Presenters will cover grazing information specific to Kentucky and will focus on spring and summer grazing options. It is particularly geared toward managing grazing systems for ruminant animals.
During the first day, participants will work in groups to install a rotational grazing system. They will assess pasture yield and set up small paddocks. Cattle will then graze the paddocks. On the second day, the participants will observe the grazed paddocks and hear reports from each group.
Producers will also design a grazing system based on their farm. Participants should bring a printed aerial map of their farm to the school. Maps are available through the local Farm Service Agency or online through Google Maps.
In addition, UK Ag specialists in forages, livestock production and veterinary science will present topics that include the response of grass and legumes to grazing and the benefits of portable water and shade systems. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and extension representatives will discuss cost-share programs available through the NRCS and county extension offices. A representative from a fencing company will share temporary fencing tips. Members of a producer panel will also share their grazing experiences.
Preregistration is necessary, as enrollment is limited to the first 45 registrants. Applications, directions and hotel information are available online at the UK Master Grazer Program website, www2.ca.uky.edu/grazer, or through the county offices of the UK Cooperative Extension Service.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
Seven-county West Texas Livestock and Range Conference Slated for May 29 in Big Spring
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct the West Texas Livestock and Range Conference from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. May 29 at the Broughton Agriculture Complex on the Howard College campus in Big Spring, Texas.
The conference is a seven-county program involving AgriLife Extension offices in Andrews, Glasscock, Upton, Reagan, Howard, Martin and Midland counties.
“As has become our custom for this program, we’ve gathered a fine set of speakers who will present ranch-related information covering a number of topics of interest to our area,” said Rebel Royall, AgriLife Extension agent in Glasscock County. “These topics are selected by the AgriLife Extension agents based on needs gleaned from our local planning committees.”
Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units in the general category will be offered.
Individual preregistration is $15 if received at the AgriLife Extension office in Glasscock County by May 27 and $25 thereafter. The fee includes the noon meal.
For more information contact Royall at 432-354-2381, r-royall@tamu.edu or the AgriLife Extension office in any of the participating counties.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
.Farr Scholarship Applications Due May 9
Applications are being accepted for the W.D. Farr Scholarship program, presented by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Two $12,000 graduate scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing graduate degrees in animal science, environmental science or agriculture. All applications must be postmarked by May 9, 2014.
The National Cattlemen’s Foundation continues to honor the successful career of the late W.D. Farr of Greeley, Colo., through the scholarships bearing his name. Farr, a third-generation Coloradoan, pioneer rancher, statesman and banker was known for his extraordinary vision. His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock and water development has resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation.
Farr was president of the National Cattlemen’s Association — a predecessor organization of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association — in 1970. He was the first president of the foundation, the philanthropic organization of the cattlemen’s association dedicated to advancing the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency for the benefit of consumers and cattlemen. Farr remained involved in agriculture throughout his 96 years, providing vision and leadership for the beef industry.
The scholarship application and criteria can be found online at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/wdfarrscholarship.aspx or by calling 303-694-0305. The scholarship winners will be introduced at the 2014 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver July 30-Aug. 2.
For more information, please view the full release here.
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