ERS Data and Analysis Can Shed More
Light on Current Events
In the News |
Researchers: Runoff Into Gulf Becoming More Damaging (Des Moines Register, January 31, 2008) |
From ERS |
Hypoxia in the Gulf: Addressing Agriculture’s Contribution. There have been two primary strategies proposed for controlling the oxygen deficient zone in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The first is to induce changes in the application and management of nutrients on farm fields. The second is to restore wetlands along rivers and streams to reduce water flows and filter out nutrients before the flow reaches the Gulf.
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In the News |
Biofuels and Global Food Costs: How Big Is the Connection? (Christian Science Monitor, January 28, 2008) |
From ERS |
The Future of Biofuels: A Global Perspective. Global biofuel production tripled between 2000 and 2007, but still accounts for less than 3 percent of the global transportation fuel supply. Increased biofuel demand has contributed to higher world food and feed prices. Biofuels will likely be part of a portfolio of solutions to high energy prices, including conservation, more efficient energy use, and use of other alternative fuels.
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In the News |
Missouri Legislator Addresses Landowner Provisions in Farm Bill (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 23, 2008) |
From ERS |
Effects of Reducing the Income Cap on Eligibility for Farm Program Payments. Landlords who do not materially participate in the operation or management of the farm and report farm rental income based on crops or livestock produced by a tenant (share-rent landlords) are eligible to receive farm program payments but are not considered sole proprietors for Federal tax purposes. With a binding income cap, landlords could change to a cash lease, shifting program payments and production risk to the tenant operator.
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In the News |
Strong Farm Economy in Midwest Generates Consumer Confidence (Omaha World-Herald, January 15, 2008) |
From ERS |
Farm Household Economics and Well-Being: Income Forecasts and Income in Perspective. The increase in household income in 2007 is the result of increases in both farm and off-farm sources. Expenses (especially for livestock purchases, feed, and fuel) have increased, but the relative large increase in the value of commodity sales is expected to result in a significant increase in farm earnings for farm operator households.
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In the News |
Hog Producers Could Face Financial Losses in 2008 (Dow Jones, January 7, 2008) |
From ERS |
Characteristics and Production Costs of U.S. Hog Farms, 2004. Once dominated by small, owner-operated crop-hog farms, hog ownership is increasingly concentrated. Traditional farrow-to-finish operations are being replaced by operations specializing in a single production phase.
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In the News |
USDA Drafts Plan To Traceback Diseased Animals (Omaha World-Herald, January 7, 2008) |
From ERS |
Traceability in the U.S. Food Supply: Economic Theory and Industry Studies. Traceability systems generate information on the flow of food and food products and aid in tracking food to its source. ERS examined the amount, type, motivation, and adequacy of traceability systems, focusing on fresh produce, grains and oilseeds, and cattle/beef.
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