Ag News, Tuesday June 30, 2015

Magnesium Chloride-Based Fertilizer Approved for Organic Farming in North America

The first magnesium chloride-based fertilizer has been approved for organic farmers in North America, which company leaders say will help meet the demand for organic produce by today’s consumer. Innovative Surface Solutions Monday announced the availability of AgMag. Innovative's AgMag is a magnesium chloride liquid that is approved for organic production as a crop fertilizer and soil amendment to help increase quality and yield in row crops. It has just been listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute in both Canada and the United States.

2016 Margin Protection Program Enrollment Starts Wednesday, July 1st

The enrollment period for the 2016 Margin Protection program starts Wednesday, July 1st. USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced the enrollment period Monday. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy operations when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer. More than half of the nation’s dairy producers enrolled in the 2015 program. Enrollment ends on September 30th, 2015, for coverage in 2016. Participating farmers will remain in the program through 2018 and pay a $100 administrative fee each year. Producers also have the option of selecting a different coverage level during open enrollment. Farmers are encouraged to stop by their local Farm Service Agency office for more information.

Waters of the U.S. set to Become Law

The Clean Water rule is slated to become law on August 28th. The rule, known as the Waters of the U.S. rule, was published in the Federal Register on Monday. That paves the way for the rule to become law 60 days later. Agriculture groups allege the rule by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers will have a drastic negative impact on agriculture. Several groups in and outside of agriculture are preparing a lawsuit against the EPA and the Army Corps in an attempt to block implementation of the rule in August. Other lawsuits have already been filed and legislation is also being considering in both the House and Senate to either block funding for the rule, or require a re-write of the rule.

Source: NAFB News