GAO released a new report on crop insurance Thursday, crediting RMA with taking steps to improve the program, but also saying more work needs to be done. GAO recommends that Congress use the next farm bill to grant RMA authority to periodically renegotiate terms with companies in order to provide reasonable cost allowances and underwriting gains. GAO Report Calls for Continued Improvement of Crop Insurance Compiled By Staff. A 2005 Government Accountability Office report said that the USDA...

Dairy farmers can learn about conservation tillage -- growing feed crops with little soil disturbance -- at a June 8 gathering west of Turlock. It also can increase the amount of feed grown in a year, along with its uptake of nutrients from manure. The technique can protect soil and reduce the use of tractor fuel. All rights reserved All other copyrights remain the property of their respective owners --> Once 15, the only naturally migrating flock of whooping cranes now numbers ___ May...

Bankers have worked with farmers, but some producers still weren t able to obtain operating loans because of the financial situation that 2005 crop losses put them in, he said. The sad part is, in the two years of waiting for this, we have lost other farmers some even this spring, said Diepolder, who suffered flood losses from excessive rainfall on his farm in 2005. An estimated $150 million in disaster assistance could be coming to North Dakota farmers and ranchers hit by flood or drought...

A preliminary GMO Spread Survey report done by the Biotechnology Trust of Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Community Technology Development Trust, Tobacco Research Board and other research institutes in Zambia, Namibia and Swaziland even shows areas where GM crops are suspected to be grown. A preliminary GMO Spread Survey report done by the Biotechnology Trust of Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Community Technology Development Trust, Tobacco Research Board and other research...

Tyson and ConocoPhillips say the finished product will be renewable diesel fuel mixtures that meet all federal standards for ultra-low-sulfur diesel. ConocoPhillips uses a different process to produce what it says is the same as traditional petroleum-based diesel but burns cleaner. Webster says the latter can be stored longer, burns cleaner and can be distributed through existing pipelines with diesel, making the infrastructure and capital expense far less than starting from scratch. They...

We learned ways to improve the crop insurance structure so that more producers can participate in this important risk management tool. The Subcommittee heard from producer representatives who suggested some specific changes in the program. A full transcript of the hearing will be posted on the Committee website in 4-6 weeks. Subcommittee Discusses Federal Crop Insurance Program With Producers. I was pleased to hear the witness' recommendations on what the Committee can do to help improve...