rural communities

The USDA says America’s agricultural exports in fiscal year 2023 are forecast at $181 billion, down $3.5 billion from the February forecast.

A group of western lawmakers last week asked the USDA and Interior Department for additional wildfire fighting resources. Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows 89.8% of U.S. households were food secure throughout 2021.

House passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act led to a slew of farm groups praising the action. The $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package includes $550 billion in new spending.

Avocados from California are smaller this year and the seasonal harvest is expected to be down by as much as 30% in total pounds.

An American Farm Bureau economist says restaurants and other food-service establishments have been trying to secure beef supplies in anticipation of strong demand.

Ferndale-based CTA Inc. has satisfied its debt under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and can now operate in the produce industry again.