The Georgia Hemp Farming Act, effective October 1, ushers in a new era for hemp growers and processors. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, the act imposes strict regulations on the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp across the state. Under Senate Bill 94 (SB 94), all aspects of hemp production—including growing, testing, packaging, and retail—are regulated by the …
Helene Wreaks Havoc on Georgia Cotton Crop
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene devastated Georgia’s cotton crop, especially those planted east of I-75. The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia Cotton Team implore growers to assess and document damages so they can get what financial help they can. Camp Hand, UGA Extension cotton agronomist, discusses the concerns producers have now that destructive winds and major flooding have …
USDA Invests in Global Food Security
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking big steps to improve food security around the world. At the recent Clinton Global Initiative 2024 meeting, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a substantial investment of $466.5 million for two important programs: the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program and Food for Progress. The McGovern-Dole program will receive $248 …
USDA Offers $58 Million for Organic Dairy Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) 2024, providing $58 million in marketing assistance to certified organic dairy producers. This program aims to help farmers expand their markets and boost the consumption of organic dairy products. Zach Ducheneaux, Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator, highlighted the USDA’s commitment to supporting organic dairies during …
American Agriculture History Minute: Best Remembered for Producing Louisiana’s First Granular Sugar
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Etienne DeBorre is a little-known figure in American agriculture. Born in 1741 in a small village along the Mississippi River in Illinois. Etienne spent most of his life in Louisiana, and it was there that he’s best remembered for producing Louisiana’s first granulated sugar. His innovation encouraged producers there to plant …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 09-27-2024
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended September 27, 2024, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended September 27, 2024, receipts at 16 markets totaled 10,931 head compared to 11,106 last week and 15,013 last …
FDACS Announces Approval of First Loan for Hurricane Debby Impacted Florida Farmers
First loan approval comes just 15 days after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 27, 2024) — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the approval of the first Hurricane Debby recovery loan through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Commissioner Simpson announced the launch of the …
Georgia Cotton Commission: Hurricane Helene Devastates Georgia Farms
Friday afternoon, Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) Executive Director, Taylor R. Sills, issued this statement concerning Hurricane Helene’s impact on the cotton crop in the state: In the early hours September 27th, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on south, southeast, east and parts of central Georgia and made an exceptionally damaging impact on farms. Affected producers are reporting yield losses ranging from 35% to …
Boozman Calls for Emergency Farm Assistance
Senator John Boozman has called for passage of emergency farm assistance. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and …
Impending Gulf Port Strike Could Impact Ag Exports
Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and U.S. Maritime Alliance on a new labor agreement for port workers along the East and Gulf Coasts have stalled, increasing the potential for an Oct. 1 strike. Even though the majority of U.S. red meat exports flow out of the West Coast ports, a strike in the east and south would still have a significant …










