The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominees for one producer position and one expert in finance and management to serve three-year terms on the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board of Directors. Nominations are due June 1, 2022.

USDA selects appointees from candidates nominated by Certified Nominating Organizations (CNO). A CNO is any certified national organization with a principal interest in the production of sheep in the United States and whose membership consists primarily of active domestic sheep producers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for the Softwood Lumber Board to fill seats for four members whose terms expire Dec. 31, 2022. Nomination applications for the seats are due April 20, 2022. Appointed members will serve three-year terms.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 directed USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to create a Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program to increase market transparency for cattle producers.

Cattle Contracts Library Summary

Docket/Case No. 22-J-0011; AMS-SC-22-0010; SC22-984-1

April 19-20, 2022

USDA will mute all audience microphones throughout the hearing except for the those of the presiding judge, the court reporter, USDA staff, California Walnut Board (CWB) personnel, any witness currently on the stand, and any participant representative engaged in examination of a witness.

What is the purpose of the amendatory hearing related to the federal marketing order for California walnuts?

The hearing is part of the administrative process conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  USDA will analyze evidence presented during the hearing to determine whether to continue considering the California Walnut Board’s recommendation to amend the marketing order.

What is the federal marketing order for California walnuts?