WASHINGTON, June 11, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that applications are being accepted for grants to finance broadband deployment in remote, rural areas. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.   Read More...

The Environmental Protection Agency asked the Supreme Court to deny a request from several industry associations to review a lower court decision upholding the agency's waiver for 15% concentration of ethanol, or E15, in gasoline for vehicles model 2001 and newer.   Read More...

Tornado season is upon us and the unfortunate and catastrophic events of the past few days in Oklahoma, Texas and other areas serve as a reminder that disaster can strike at anytime, anywhere.  History has also shown that these storms and natural disasters impact thousands of households and businesses including those of NAEDA members and their employees.

NAEDA’s Equipment Dealers Foundation Disaster Relief Fund helps the employees of NAEDA dealer members who have been affected by natural disasters with emergency funds to help bridge the gap financially for the employees and families until insurance or other payments come in.  When faced with a disaster, the EDF has been able to step in and help.  Thanks to the generous support of dealers, manufacturers, suppliers and affiliated associations, EDF has assisted more than 130 families with more than $200,000 in direct disaster grants to employees of NAEDA members.

We have already received applications and provided financial assistance to dealership employees as a result of the recent tornados in Texas and likely will see more requests from the recent Oklahoma disasters.  Please consider a generous donation to the NAEDA Equipment Dealers Foundation.  Donations can be made on-line on the EDF website at: https://www.naeda.com/SupportEDF/EDFFoundationOnlinePayment.aspx   

Renewable energy advocates say that an agreement announced earlier this week between agriculture, environmental and conservation groups to tie crop insurance eligibility with compliance with conservation provisions could help the development of sustainable energy production.
 
The agreement comes a week prior to a scheduled mark-up of farm legislation Tuesday by the Senate Agriculture Committee.
 
The agreement was reached after several major farm organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, dropped opposition to tying crop insurance to conservation compliance in exchange for the coalition's opposition to "means testing" or income limits on those who received subsidized premiums for crop insurance.   Read More...

The push for immigration reform enters a crucial period when Congress returns this week, as Senate legislation faces the gauntlet of a committee mark-up and House negotiators try to complete their own long-awaited bill.   Read More...

The oil industry hopes to protect its control over America’s fuel supply by undermining renewable fuels. By confusing us with misleading claims and outright falsehoods, oil companies hope Congress will overlook the real dangers caused by our almost complete dependence on oil for transportation fuels. For our economy and our environment, we cannot allow them to succeed.   Read More...

A highly relevant new seminar has just been announced for Dealer Day at GIE+EXPO in Louisville. On Oct. 23, a lunch-and-learn Dealer Summit will include a session unveiling new research about buying and attitude trends to help dealers be more effective in reaching top contractors. The seminar will also include a panel discussion on important developments like diversification, marketing, social media, sales management and more. Distributors are also encouraged to attend. Attendees will receive a full copy of the research report.   Read More...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a series of changes to make it easier for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for renewable energy and energy efficiency funding. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. The announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

Read more about the program.   

The days of shopping online without paying sales taxes may be ending. States are cracking down and a nationwide system for collecting sales tax on online sales may be coming soon.   Read More...

The budget proposal President Barack Obama released Wednesday is unlikely to gain any traction in agriculture, particularly in areas such as cuts to crop insurance or shifts in international food aid.    Read More...