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 …

Florida Beef Council Participates in Orlando Event

The Florida Beef Council took part in an event this past weekend in Orlando. Not only did the council help sponsor it, FBC director of beef marketing and promotions, Allyson Trimble, says the event also gave the council an opportunity to pass out beef information to those who attended. Florida Beef Council Participates in Orlando Event Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester …

Georgia Blueberry Growers to Vote on Continuation of Assessment for Market Order

Starting March 1, Georgia blueberry growers will have the opportunity to vote on renewing the grower assessment, which funds the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Blueberries. The Commission is charged by law with providing programs of research, promotion and education on behalf of Georgia blueberry growers. Most of the funds received by the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Blueberries are …

Issues with Implementing Air Emissions Reporting

A federal court did grant the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) another extension of a livestock emissions reporting deadline. The delay in reporting air emissions from animal waste will now last until May 1st. Last April, the D.C. U.S. Court of Appeals rejected an exemption for farm reporting of “hazardous” emissions under federal emergency response laws. But National Pork Producers Council …