The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) has released the June 2025 cotton production report, offering key insights into planting, harvesting, and yield forecasts across the Southeast. The data shows a significant decline in planted acreage and total production compared to 2024. Becky Sommer with USDA NASS explains the latest figures and what they mean for …
Markets Eye September Fed Rate Cut
Wall Street is already placing strong bets on the next move by the Federal Reserve. With no Federal Reserve Board meeting in August, all attention is focused on the September 16–17 meeting, and analysts are trading heavily on expectations of a September interest rate cut. “Wall Street analysts wasting no time Trading the likelihood of an interest rate cut in …
U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Maintains Key Access for U.S. Red Meat Exports
Following last week’s high-level Japanese tariff negotiations in Washington, D.C., a new chapter in the U.S.-Japan trade and investment agreement is taking shape—one that promises ongoing stability for U.S. red meat exports. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom, the finalized deal is a critical step in preserving long-term market access in one of the …
Southeast Farmers Prepare for Busy Week of Field Days and Industry Announcements
It’s a packed week ahead for Southeast farmers, with multiple field days and industry updates scheduled across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. These events are essential for staying informed on the latest research, crop trends, and industry developments—especially for peanut and row crop producers. “Lots of important meetings coming up this week for farmers across the Southeast. First of all, on …
U.S. Agricultural Trade Deficit Reaches Record High in 2025
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit hit an all-time high in the first half of 2025, marking a significant and historic shift in America’s farm export dominance. For decades, the U.S. agricultural sector maintained a strong global position, consistently posting trade surpluses. But new data show that trend has reversed sharply in recent years. According to Bloomberg, “that only highlights American …
Secretary Brooke Rollins Highlights Trump Administration’s Fight Against Foreign Ownership of U.S. Farmland
In a recent interview with Laura Trump on Fox News, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to limit foreign ownership of American farmland, especially by adversarial nations like China. The move reflects a broader commitment to protecting U.S. food security, national defense, and rural communities. “We will never have an America first unless we’re …
Taking Cotton from Seed to Shirt
Magnolia Loom: Revolutionizing the Cotton Industry with Georgia Grown and Sewn Apparel A Family Business Brings Traceable, Sustainable Cotton Clothing from the Field to the Shirt Magnolia Loom’s Story: A Vision to Support Georgia Agriculture Magnolia Loom, a Georgia-based cotton apparel brand, has been making waves in the fashion and agriculture sectors since its inception. Founded by Zeke Chapman, the …
Peanut Checkoff Upcoming Plans
National Peanut Board Announces Strategic Plans to Boost Peanut Demand Nationwide Peanut farmers across the U.S. contribute annually to a checkoff program designed to promote peanuts and peanut products on a national scale. This program is led by the National Peanut Board (NPB), headquartered in Atlanta, and the organization recently held a planning meeting with a number of exciting updates …
National Pork Producers Supports Save Our Bacon Act
Save Our Bacon Act Targets Farm-Killing Regulations NPPC Supports Bill to Protect Family Pork Producers The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has endorsed the Save Our Bacon Act, introduced by U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa. The bill aims to protect family farms from what the NPPC calls a “dangerous and chaotic web” of conflicting state mandates — most notably …
Florida Commissioner of Ag Encourages Drinking Pasteurized Milk
Florida Commissioner Urges Support for Florida Dairy Farmers, Highlights Safety of Pasteurized Milk Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is urging residents to choose pasteurized milk products from Florida Dairy Farmers, following a recent health update from the Florida Department of Health regarding illnesses linked to raw milk. As concerns rise over raw milk safety, Commissioner Simpson emphasized the importance …