Georgia Agribusiness Council Shares Priorities as Legislative Session Begins The Georgia General Assembly officially begins its legislative session this week, and agricultural leaders across the state are closely watching developments that could impact farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. Ahead of the session, representatives with the Georgia Agribusiness Council shared insight into what may shape the months ahead under the Gold …
Florida farmers and ranchers have a new opportunity to protect working agricultural lands as the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) opens its latest application cycle. Applications are now being accepted through January 23, 2026, offering landowners a chance to partner with the state to preserve agricultural operations that are increasingly threatened by urban development. Administered by the Florida …
State Legislative Sessions Open Across the Southeast State legislative sessions are opening this week across the Southeast, marking the start of months of policy discussions that will shape state budgets and priorities for the year ahead. Florida, Alabama, and Georgia lawmakers are all convening in January, with agriculture-related issues expected to remain an important part of the conversation. Florida’s 2026 …
Superior Livestock Opens the Year with Strong Cattle Demand Superior Livestock’s first major sale of the new year is sending a clear signal about the strength of the cattle market, as feeders showed they are not shying away from bidding what it takes to secure cattle. The company kicked off 2026 with its Bell Ringer video auction, hosted out of …
The National Road: America’s First Gateway Across the Appalachians Connecting East and West When most people think of iconic American highways, Route 66 often comes to mind. But nearly a century before that famous road, another monumental project changed the nation: the National Road. Constructed in 1810, it was the first gravel-paved highway to cross the Appalachian Mountains, linking Ohio …
The Georgia Cotton Commission recently donated 12,000 pairs of socks to various homeless shelters across the state, on behalf of Georgia’s 3,500 cotton farming families. Farmers delivered socks to Open Arms in Albany, Cordele First Church’s Soul Food Ministry, Lowndes Associated Ministries to People in Valdosta, The Haven in Lafayette, The Sparrow’s Nest in Athens, Ninth District Opportunity in Demorest, …
Leaders React to Release of New 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans The release of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2025–2030 is drawing reactions from lawmakers and federal health leaders, many of whom say the updated guidance represents a return to practical, science-based nutrition policy. The guidelines emphasize nutrient-dense foods, including protein, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, and are expected …
Georgia Peanut Farm Show Set for January 15 in Tifton, Georgia Farmers across the Southeast are encouraged to make plans now to attend the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, coming up this week in Tifton, Georgia. The annual event will be held at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Comfort Center and offers a full day of education, networking, and industry …
Livestock Groups React to New 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Following the announcement of the new 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, livestock organizations are welcoming the updated recommendations, which place a stronger emphasis on protein at every meal and the inclusion of full-fat dairy as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Industry leaders say the changes better reflect current nutrition …
Settling Ohio After the Appalachian Crossing Once early American settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains, many chose to stop rather than continue westward. After enduring difficult and often dangerous travel, these settlers found what is now eastern and central Ohio to be an ideal place to establish permanent communities. Fertile land and favorable growing conditions made the region especially attractive to …
