Perdue Applauds Trump’s USDA Rural Utility Services Administrator Selection

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue offered his applause to President Trump’s intent to appoint Kenneth Johnson to be the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utility Service Administrator. Perdue says Johnson ‘s experience with rural utilities, including expanding access to high-speed Internet, “will serve us well as we strive to increase prosperity across rural America.” Johnson serves as general manager and CEO …

New U.K. Trade Commissioner to Focus on North America

The United Kingdom has hired a trade commissioner to focus specifically on North America. Ramping up efforts to prepare for post-Brexit trade negotiations, the U.K. hired two regionally focused trade commissioners that leadership says will lead trade relations with “key markets of the future.” Antony Phillipson, the current director-general of international trade in North America, has been tapped to serve …

January Ag Economy Barometer Results

The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer turned higher for January, showing some optimism among farmers and ranchers. After trending lower in late 2017, the monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers from across the U.S. indicated that the measure of producer sentiment climbed to 135 points at the beginning of 2018, up nine points from December’s 126. Organizers say the …

Rural Mainstreet Index Declines

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index declined slightly in January from December’s weak reading, remaining below growth neutral. However, organizers say the monthly survey of rural bank CEO’s in the Midwest is significantly higher than the reading for January 2017. The index, like all indices in the survey, ranges between zero and 100 with 50 representing growth neutral, fell to …

Agri View: Healthy Eating

Everett Griner talks about healthy eating, something few Americans properly do, in today’s Agri View. Healthy Eating OK, how much fruit and vegetables do you eat eat each day? Not enough? Well, the Center for Disease Control recently did a very new study. Based on what they found out the vast majority of Americans fall way short of the recommended …

AFIA Calls FDA to Streamline Animal Feed Regulations

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is calling upon the Food and Drug Administration to consider streamlining or removing several federal regulations and recordkeeping requirements that are unclear, duplicative, antiquated or do nothing to enhance the safety of America’s animal food supply at the great expense of small and large animal food manufacturers. AFIA submitted formal comments to the agency late yesterday …

UF/IFAS Researchers Blame Cold for Fish Kills, Offer Suggestions

Cold weather is killing fish in northern and Central Florida counties, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers, who are also offering some solutions. “In an aquaculture operation, farmers can cover their ponds with a frame covered with plastic, as ornamental fish farmers do in the Tampa area to protect their fish from the cold,” …

Peanut Calendar

Tyron Spearman has a look at some peanut industry events coming up this week. Peanut Calendar Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026

Bayer Helping Growers Share the Risk

Many growers are thinking about the 2018 crop, and all know there are risks to deal with. That can range from not enough rain, too much rain, hail, an early freeze along with a variety of other weather related concerns. Bayer CropScience understands these risks, and that’s why they support growers with a risk management tool. Jason Wistehuff, product manager …