Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns blasted the "11th-hour" adoption late Thursday of the tax hike, saying it unfairly pits farmers against another sector in the economy. The multi-billion dollar five-year package, which passed by 231 votes to 191, offers a safety net for farmers and ranchers, regulates subsidies and aid and includes nutrition and conservation programs. Republicans argue that the House bill would deprive about 7,000 farmers of subsidies, compared with the 38,000 that would...

The Bode's own a small acreage and are able to supply 20 shares for community supported agriculture members on less then one acre. Event will include a farm tour and light dinner, along with discussion on the social, environmental and economic benefits of eating locally grown foods. They will be discussing, along with the Clark's, the challenges and rewards of adding an enterprise, how to use acres efficiently, the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer marketing and starting a local food...

Federal funding has been approved for a feasibility study for a rail line linking grain producers beyond Delmarva with poultry producers on the peninsula. This is about giving farmers options to help their bottom line so farming can continue to be viable in this region, Gilchrest said. For farmers, the transloading facility would provide a much shorter and less costly truck transport option. Finding alternative solutions to keep agriculture sustainable for this generation and for future...

Wheat futures firm up ahead of USDA report on world supply, demand. In other commodities markets, industrial metals recouped some of the prior day's losses, while gold and energy prices declined. Refiners boosted utilization rates slightly last week, thereby lifting demand for crude oil and contributing to growth in stockpiles of refined products, as analysts had expected. traders placed bets ahead of a crop production, supply and demand report due Thursday from the U. Corn and soybean...

The DEC 07 corn contract broke overhead resistance today, July 23, set up by that descending wedge pattern established over the last six weeks beginning June 18. USDA met crop-condition expectations lowering the good-to-excellent rating by 3 points to 58% Gains in soybeans, soybean oil, and other energy products supported corn amid forecasts for hotter, drier weather in the corn-belt. Soybeans were held up by good soybean oil prices and forecasts for hot, dry weather in the near term as...

Farmers May Further Cut Acreage 7/30/2007 4:39:00 PM ETRelated symbols: AGE Bloomberg By Shruti Date Singh July 30 (Bloomberg) -- Cotton rose to a one-week high in New York on speculation farmers will switch acres to other crops because of concern a World Trade Organization ruling may threaten U. Farmers May Further Cut Acreage 7/30/2007 4:39:00 PM ETRelated symbols: AGE Bloomberg By Shruti Date Singh July 30 (Bloomberg) -- Cotton rose to a one-week high in New York on speculation farmers...