The average cost for an Independence Day party of ten rose just 11 cents compared to last year, according to an annual survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

U.S.-based Land O’Lakes and Netherlands-based Royal Agrifirm Group will be partnering in China for a dairy animal feed project, forming the new company Agrilakes.

“Whatever issues led to us not continuing our membership 12 years ago, which was before my time, we are a more national industry now.”

After several years of financial bleeding, dairy producers are expected to sign up in droves for the new Dairy Margin Coverage program, which this year is guaranteed to provide payments well in excess of the premiums farmers will pay.

While many farmers and ranchers have been successful in reducing their carbon footprint, making significant new progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions will require government assistance and new financial incentives, especially now that farmers are struggling to cope with depressed commodity prices, senators were told Tuesday.