august

August Ag Economy Barometer Falls

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

(NAFB) — Farmer concern regarding low prices and the farm economy led to a sharp drop in the August Ag Economy Barometer. The Perdue/CME Group economic measure fell 29 points last month to a reading of 124. The barometer’s decline was attributed to declines in both the Index of Current Conditions, which dropped 19 points, and the Index of Future …

4wd

AEM Releases July Ag Equipment Sales Numbers

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

(NAFB) — July 2019 saw decreases in U.S. sales of combines and four-wheel-drive tractors as well as total U.S. two-wheel-drive tractor sales compared to July of last year. Monthly data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) shows U.S. four-wheel-drive tractor sales decreased 4.7 percent in July, compared to last year. U.S. July combine sales decreased 25.9 percent. And, total …

barometer

July Ag Economy Barometer Increases

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

(NAFB) — The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reading jumped to 153 in July, up 27 points from June, and up 52 points from May. However, it’s safe to expect a decline in the August report. While the Market Facilitation Program payments are a positive to farmers, this week’s announcement that China will stop all purchases of U.S. ag …

Georgia Agribusiness Council

GAC Members Address Policy Issues on Capitol Hill

Dan Georgia, Legislative

Several members of the Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) recently took part in the GAC Washington Legislative Fly-In, where important issues impacting Georgia agribusinesses were discussed. Visits included agriculture policy advisers at the White House, leadership from USDA, members of the Georgia Congressional delegation as well as the UGA Ag Fellows who are interning with Georgia representatives. Some of the issues discussed while …

farm

Nearly $13 Million in Loans Awarded to Florida Agricultural Producers

Dan Economy, Florida, Industry News Release

Governor Ron DeSantis announced nearly $13 million has been awarded through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan for agricultural producers. More than 70 applications have been approved from farmers in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties. “We remain committed to utilizing all available resources to help Floridians continuing to …

farm income

One Step Away From Helping Farmers Stay in Business

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

(AFBF) — The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “With farm bankruptcies at a record high in some regions of the country, Senate passage of the Family Farmer Relief Act sends an important signal to family farmers and ranchers that our elected officials are willing to act in these challenging times. The bill …

dicamba

Signup Underway for Market Facilitation Program

Dan Cotton, Economy

Signup began this week for USDA’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP), and the first round of payments are expected to be issued in mid-to-late August. While the payments are county specific, they are not crop specific, and will be available on planted acres for 2019. Reece Langley, Vice President of Washington Operations for the National Cotton Council (NCC), says they have developed a …

budget

Farm Bureau: Family Farmer Relief Act Will Help Farmers Stay in Business

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

(AFBF) — The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “America’s farmers and ranchers applaud the House passage of the Family Farmer Relief Act.  After several consecutive years of a trying farm economy, updating Chapter 12 bankruptcy eligibility to the current scale and credit needs of U.S. agriculture is a necessity.  Today’s action will …

market

Crops Covered Under Market Facilitation Program

Dan Corn, Cotton, Economy, Peanuts, Soybeans, Wheat

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced further details of the $16 billion package to help American ag producers affected by trade tariffs. This includes direct payments to farmers through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson looks at what is covered under MFP. MFP signup starts Monday at local Farm Service Agency offices. For …