U.S.-planted hemp acreage soared to a 75-year high in 2018, but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

In USDA’s review of state pilot programs for hemp production introduced under the 2014 Farm Bill, industrial hemp acreage increased from zero in 2013 to over 90,000 acres in 2018—the most since 1943. While some benefited from the boom, the review also identified challenges many programs faced as hemp made its return to fields after a 45-year hiatus.

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Check out this week’s Merchandiser Minute!

Check out a special edition of our General Assembly update video featuring interviews with Del. Wendy Gooditis, vice-chair of the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee, and Del. Michael Webert, also a member of House Ag.

Farmers are expected to see total income increase overall in 2020, though their accounting spreadsheets might indicate otherwise.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service released its 2020 Farm Income Forecast, which predicts simultaneous increases and declines.

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This week’s update focuses on budget issues. Check it out!

Check out this week’s Merchandiser Minute!

Join us for the Virginia Farm Bureau Products Warehouse Spring Open House Friday, Feb. 28. See the details below.

Farm bankruptcies in 2019 increased nearly 20 percent nationwide, but there was no significant increase in the number of Chapter 12 filings in Virginia.

Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings allow family farmers and fishermen to avoid liquidation or foreclosure. According to an analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation, there were 595 Chapter 12 family farm bankruptcies in the U.S. last year. That number reflects an increase of nearly 100 filings from 2018 and the highest number since 2011, when they reached 637. Only six Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies were listed for Virginia, the same as in 2018.

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Farmers in 49 Virginia counties who suffered losses from last year’s excessive heat and drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency emergency loans.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently designated localities affected by the extreme weather as primary natural disaster areas, allowing recovering farmers to apply for emergency credit.

The loans can be used for replacing livestock, equipment and other essential items; refinancing debt; and reorganizing farming operations.

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Crossover is finally here! Check out this week’s General Assembly update with Stefanie and Andrew.