Deadline Extended for Producers to Certify 2018 Crop Production for MFP Payments

USDA extended the deadline to May 17 from May 1 for agricultural producers to certify 2018 crop production for payments through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), which helps producers who have been significantly affected by foreign tariffs, resulting in the loss of traditional exports. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) extended the deadline because heavy rainfall and snowfall have delayed harvests …

Funding for Backtag RFID Project Proposals Available

Groups developing radio frequency ID backtags for livestock as part of an overall animal disease traceability framework now can submit funding applications to USDA for those projects. Rod Bain has more details. Sarah Tomlinson of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service discusses some of the technologies developed or in development regarding radio frequency ID tags designed in part for …

Alabama Extension Hosting Alfalfa in the South

The annual Alfalfa in the South Workshop will be held May 7 at the Cattlemen’s Park in Troy, Alabama. The one-day event, hosted by Alabama Extension, starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. It will include up-to-date research with alfalfa in the Southeast. Following lunch, a farm tour will feature a newly established stand and allow management discussions. Dr. Kim Mullenix, an Alabama …

Final Week of Florida Legislative Session

This is the final week for the 2019 Florida legislative session. The budget is one of the major issues lawmakers will be trying to finalize. Florida Cattlemen’s Association Director of Governmental Affairs Sam Ard says it’s been a tough year for agriculture in the budget. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, …

Three More Georgia Water Management Workshops

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia wants to remind producers about the three remaining statewide Water Management Workshops. The University of Georgia (UGA) and Fort Valley State University (FVSU) extension programs have partnered with NRCS to host these workshops. While they are geared towards smaller acreage and new/beginning farmers, they are open to all who wish to attend …

Political Wrangling Over Conservation Program Could Exacerbate Florida Algae Issues

by Gary Cooper In weekend budget talks, lawmakers slash funding for a key land and water conservation program that is vital to restoring Florida’s waterways. Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) is a budget casualty. This program has a 20-year track record of success in preserving green space in perpetuity, while keeping farmland on the tax rolls. Program …

Peanut Referendum Voting Ends May 3

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind peanut growers May 3 is the deadline to vote in the referendum to determine whether you favor continuance of the Peanut Promotion, Research and Information Order, which authorizes the National Peanut Board. Tyron Spearman has more details. Voters must return ballots postmarked by May 3. Ballots returned via express mail or …

Alabama Deer Baiting Bill Heading to Governor’s Desk

A bill that has been discussed in the Alabama Legislature for a few years now is finally moving on. According to Executive Director of the Alabama Agribusiness Council Leigha Cauthen, this week saw the passage of SB 66, the Deer Baiting Bill which now heads to the Governor’s desk.  Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding …