Cotton acreage

USDA Releases 2025 Cotton Acreage Estimates

Dan Cotton, Crop Forecasts, USDA-NASS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) has released the 2025 cotton acreage estimates. Becky Sommer with USDA NASS explains. Growers planted 10.1 million acres in 2025, down 10 percent from last year. Upland area is estimated at 9.95 million acres, down 9 percent from 2024. Compared with last year, Upland planted area decreased in 15 of the 17 major cotton-producing …

egg prices

Secretary of Agriculture Provides Update: Egg Prices, USDA Bird Flu Strategy

Dan Avian Influenza, Economy, Eggs, Poultry

Secretary Rollins Reports on Egg Price Relief, Biosecurity Strategy U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced a major milestone in the fight against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), coupled with encouraging news for American consumers. Speaking last week, Secretary Rollins confirmed that egg prices have dropped by 64%, with retail costs down 27% from their peak earlier this year. …

New World screwworm

New World Screwworm Spread Slows Amid USDA, NCBA Response

Josh McGill General

U.S. officials are reporting positive developments in the fight against the New World Screw Worm. Once spotted 700 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, the pest’s northward advance appears to be slowing, thanks in part to intensive surveillance and targeted interventions. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins recently ordered the border closed to cattle originating from Mexico to prevent the parasite’s spread. Ethan …

New World Screwworm

NCBA Reacts to USDA Plans for Screwworm Sterile Fly Facility

Josh McGill General

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the development of a sterile fly production facility to combat the New World Screw Worm, a significant threat to livestock. Located at Moore Airfield in Texas, the project will enhance domestic production and support operations in Panama. Ethan Lane, Senior VP of Government Affairs at the NCBA, joined USDA officials on-site and praised …

ECAP Rollout

USDA FSA County Committee Nominations Now Open

Josh McGill General

The USDA FSA has opened the nomination period for its 2025 County Committee elections. With more than 2,200 committees nationwide, these local governing bodies play a critical role in how federal programs are implemented at the local level. FSA Director Bill Beam highlights that nearly 7,700 producers serve on FSA committees, each comprised of 3 to 11 elected members who …

dei focused awards

USDA Announces Cuts to DEI Focused Awards

Dan Agri-Business, Funding

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that they will be terminating 145 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) focused awards. The cuts, amounting to a maximum savings of $148.6 Million include programs that will be terminated including programs that would: Educate and engage socially disadvantaged farmers on conservation practices; a program that would create a new model for urban …

regional food systems

USDA/AMS Grants Offers Opportunities For Local and Regional Food Systems

Dan Agri-Business, Funding, USDA-AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA/AMS) is offering three different grant programs for producers to strengthen local and regional food systems. Tricia Kovacs with AMS highlights these grant opportunities under the Local Agricultural Market Program (LAMP) which offers $26.5 Million through 3 programs. To learn more about the programs visit www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants Dale Sandlin reporting for Southeast AgNet. …

Livestock groups

Livestock Groups Congratulate New USDA & EPA Officials

Dan Agri-Business, Beef, Cattle, Legislative, Livestock

Livestock groups and producers are applauding the confirmation of newly confirmed USDA and EPA officials. Earlier this week, the US Senate confirmed Judge Stephen Vaden as Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture and David Fotouhi as Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane said, “The cattle industry is thrilled …

USDA Payments Under ELRP Arriving Soon to Producers

Dan Agri-Business, Cattle, Funding, Livestock, USDA-FSA

Payments to livestock producers who qualified under the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) will be arriving soon to producers. Farm Service Agency Director Bill Beam shared details on these payments and what producers need to do if they qualify. Dale Sandlin with Southeast AgNet reporting Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: …

disaster

Disaster Relief Statement Issued by USDA Director of Communications

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a statement this week regarding disaster aid for farmers. With the process of distributing federal disaster aid to some states still ongoing, USDA Director of Communications Seth W. Christensen criticized Congressional Democrats in his statement for, “politicizing disaster aid for farmers in need across the country.” Christensen’s statement said, “Congressional Democrats are playing …