By Clint Thompson and Dale Sandlin Georgia cotton growers are struggling to stay afloat amid low prices and the state’s lowest acreage since 1993. Camp Hand, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension cotton agronomist, used the Georgia Cotton Commission’s mid-year meeting on Wednesday to stress the importance of growers using credible management options heading into the second half of the season. …
By Clint Thompson What a difference a couple of weeks have made for Georgia’s peanut crop. Amid a rainy start to the summer, the state’s peanuts, especially its dryland crop, were progressing well. That progression stalled in recent weeks, however, due to increased dry conditions across the state. Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut agronomist, discussed the crop at …
The Forgotten Role of Roads in Ag History In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights a surprisingly critical piece of infrastructure that helped shape the nation’s farming future—early turnpike roads. While we often think of tractors, irrigation systems, and railroads when discussing agricultural development, the role of rural roads was equally foundational. Turnpikes: A Solution to Isolation In …
By Clint Thompson The Southeast peanut industry returned to Panama City Beach, Florida, this week for its annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference. After a couple of years away at other locations, the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation returned to the popular beach site for the three-day conference, which started on Wednesday and will conclude on Friday. Don Koehler, executive director of …
From Steel Lugs to Rubber: A Turning Point in Ag Innovation How Florida Growers and Harvey Firestone Changed Farming Forever In the early days of American agriculture, tractors and steam engines rolled on steel lug wheels—a technological advancement for their time, but far from perfect. These rigid wheels caused extreme vibrations, often shook bolts loose, and carved deep holes into …
By Clint Thompson and Dale Sandlin The Georgia Cotton Commission held its annual mid-year meeting in Statesboro on Wednesday. Various topics were highlighted during the day-long event, including the low acreage planted with this year’s crop. Taylor Sills, Georgia Cotton Commission’s (GCC) executive director, talked about the importance of the meeting held at the Nesmith-Lane Conference Center in Statesboro, Georgia, …
Senate Moves Forward with $27.1 Billion USDA Funding Package The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations has advanced the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, a bill allocating $27.1 billion in discretionary spending to key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies. According to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the measure is designed to strengthen …
Southeast Peanut Industry Gathers in Florida for Annual Conference Peanut farmers across the southeastern United States are gearing up for one of the industry’s most anticipated events of the year—the 26th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference. Set to take place July 23–25 at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida, the three-day gathering will host around 300 attendees …
USDA to Deliver $675.9 Million in Relief to Hurricane-Affected Producers U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a significant financial aid package to support Florida farmers impacted by recent hurricanes. A total of $675.9 million in disaster relief will be provided through the USDA, targeting losses caused by Hurricanes Idalia, Debbie, Helene, and Milton. Dale Sandlin with Southeast AgNet …
Ground Beef Prices Continue Upward Climb Ground beef prices in the United States surged to new highs in June, reflecting ongoing challenges in the cattle industry and global trade dynamics. According to a report from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, prices are being driven up by a combination of domestic herd contraction and international import restrictions. Dale Sandlin with …
