Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

USDA Budget Ends Direct Payments

USDA to expect 5.9% Decrease in Upcoming 2014 Fiscal Year

By , Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is to expect a 5.9% decrease in its budget for the upcoming 2014 fiscal year. The White House plans to eliminate direct payments, cut crop insurance subsides and better target conservation funding. The Obama administration says that with crop and livestock production at all-time highs and that income support payments based on levels of production can no longer be justified. The crafting of the new Farm Bill is expected to begin this month in collaboration with the House and Senate and Agriculture committees. Currently, the bulk of the USDA budget is allocated for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps which are pegged to cost $80 billion in the 2014 budget year.


Trending Video

Preparing Soil for Fruit Trees Before You Plant with Ariel Agenbroad

Video: Preparing Soil for Fruit Trees Before You Plant with Ariel Agenbroad

Preparing soil for fruit trees is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps before planting. In this episode, I visit Spaulding Ranch in Boise, Idaho, and speak with soil specialist Ariel Agenbroad from the University of Idaho Extension. Together, we explore how to evaluate soil structure, drainage, compaction, and organic matter so your fruit trees can establish strong, healthy roots. If you're planning to plant fruit trees this season, this conversation will help you understand what to look for before you dig.