USDA aid is paltry compared to injury (NMPF): The Trump tariff payments for dairy amount to 1 cent per gallon, totaling $127 million, “amounts to one-tenth of the lost revenue caused by the downturn in markets,” said chief executive Jim Mulhern in a National Milk Producers Federation essay.
In a rarity, Crop Progress report delayed (USDA): The weekly Crop Progress report, released each Monday afternoon during the growing season, was delayed “due to technical issues,” said USDA with no further explanation.
Panelists sought for 2020 Dietary Guidelines (Food Politics): USDA is off to a late start in seeking nominees for the panel of experts that will help write the new edition of the Dietary Guidelines. It said “this administration intends to take a more active role in setting the agenda and in committee discussions.”
Traces of glyphosate in Canadian food (CTV News): A study commissioned by Environmental Defence Canada found traces of the weedkiller glyphosate in children’s foods and snacks, including hummus, packaged mac and cheese mix, and crackers, although below the safety levels set by Health Canada.
Go ahead, grow your own food (Berkeleyside): A set of zoning and rule changes are now in effect in Berkeley, California, to encourage small-scale and larger-scale urban farming throughout the city.
Cost containment is vital (ISU Extension): Commodity prices are expected to rise in the spring, so farmers should exercise patience in selling their crops and keep an eye on the cost of storing grain for sale later, says Iowa State professor Chad Hart.