Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson praised the $675.9 million block grant agreement as a critical lifeline for the state’s producers, who faced more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons due to Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. “Florida’s producers have endured back-to-back devastating hurricane seasons, and this funding is a major victory that …
Secretary Rollins Confirms Major Disaster Assistance for Florida Agriculture Block Grant Agreement to Address Citrus, Timber, Infrastructure, and Market Losses (USDA/Washington, D.C./July 21, 2025) – In a major move to support hurricane-stricken agricultural producers, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced $675.9 million in disaster assistance for Florida farmers during a visit with state agricultural leaders. The funding will …
Export Market Under Pressure as Farmers Await Rain and Big Harvest U.S. peanut farmers are closely monitoring export trends this season, as they anticipate a potentially large crop—provided timely rainfall arrives across the peanut belt. While domestic production prospects are strong, international demand has shown signs of decline, raising concerns for the industry. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s …
U.S. Meat Export Federation Pushes for Trade Barrier Reforms The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is calling on the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take decisive action to address persistent trade barriers in several African and Caribbean nations that are restricting U.S. red meat exports. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom highlighted key market access challenges, …
New Food Safety Laboratory Opens with National Strategy to Protect Consumers The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat foodborne illness with the recent opening of its modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory. Announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the plan enhances the Department’s approach to food safety, particularly concerning meat, poultry, and egg products. …
Early Transportation Challenges in American Agriculture In the early 1700s, fur traders and trappers faced immense difficulties moving goods through New York’s rugged waterways. They relied on birchbark canoes to travel the rivers and streams of the region. While effective, these vessels were no match for the rapids and waterfalls that dotted the terrain. Canoes had to be unloaded and …
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia for the week ended July 18, 2025, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended- July 18, 2025, receipts at 16 markets totaled 11,190 head compared to 10,454 last week and 11,571 last …
Peanut Industry Sends Relief to Texas Hill Country Peanut Proud, the humanitarian organization representing the U.S. peanut industry, has stepped up to support communities impacted by recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country. The group announced it has shipped 30,240 jars of its Peanut Proud peanut butter to the San Antonio Food Bank to assist those affected by last week’s …
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers Program, a USDA initiative launched during the pandemic under the Biden Administration. The decision marks a major shift in how the agency plans to support regional food systems moving forward. Program Faced Operational and Funding Challenges The program, administered through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service …
The House Natural Resources Committee has advanced the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025, bringing cattle producers one step closer to improved protection for their herds. The bill is a response to growing concerns over black vulture attacks on newborn livestock across the southeastern United States. Simplifying Predator Control for Ranchers If passed, the Black Vulture Relief Act would allow …
