The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) continued its downward trend in February, marking the 17th decline in the past 18 months. The index, which measures the economic health of rural communities across a ten-state region dependent on agriculture and energy, fell to 38.0, down from 42.3 in January. A reading below 50 indicates economic contraction. Economic uncertainty remains a key concern, …
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. You wouldn’t think Minnesota would be the flour capital of the U.S., but indeed in 1915 it was. Over 20 million dry barrels of milled flour was being produced annually out of Minnesota and three firms in the Minneapolis area. 20 million would be the peak production of the three and …
The 2025 Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) Rodeo in Montgomery is just around the corner. And according to Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Vice President Erin Beasley that means the SLE Livestock Judging Contest and Junior Livestock Expo starts this week. The SLE rodeo will be held March 14-16 at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World …
By Clint Thompson March is National Peanut Month, and the Georgia Peanut Commission celebrated on Tuesday with its annual PB&J (peanut butter and jelly) Day at the State Capitol. Joy Crosby, assistant executive director at the Georgia Peanut Commission, talked about the annual event. “The Georgia Peanut Commission kicked off National Peanut Month with a celebration in Atlanta at the …
Last week the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) president testified before the Senate Committee on Agriculture. While she touched on various issues, Rusty Halvorson reports trade issues and ongoing market access with tariff concerns was one of the top ones. Stevermer also discussed California Proposition 12, a state law that prohibits the sale of uncooked whole pork meat from hogs born to sows raised …
It was recently announced that contracts for a peanut product sent to sites around the world for aid has been cancelled. Tyron Spearman has more information. Sponsored ContentFlorida 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, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers …
There are some concerns about the predictions of how many acres of corn will be planted this year. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida 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, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, …
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) wants to remind agricultural producers and forest landowners in the state looking to build on previous conservation efforts to apply by Friday, March 7th for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to be included in this funding batch. CSP provides many benefits, including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to adverse weather. CSP …
The USDA reminds agricultural producers that the final dates to apply for or make changes to their existing crop insurance coverage is approaching for spring planted crops. While one closing date has already passed, the remaining major closing dates are March 15 and April 15. The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) lists the closing dates in the Actuarial Information Brower under the …
Agricultural landowners in Florida that may interested in protecting the integrity of your property are urged to consider safeguarding your land with a conservation easement through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL). While they do accept agricultural conservation easement applications year-round Friday, March 7th is the cutoff date to get applications in for Fiscal Year 2025 funding. The Agricultural Conservation Easement …
