The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless. The online application also provides helpful features, including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, …
Southeast Producers Invited to Apply for USDA Conservation Programs
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invites agricultural producers and forest landowners across the Southeast to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices. In fiscal year 2024, NRCS will continue to accept applications for programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). These programs help a wide variety of producers, including urban and organic producers. …
No Kitchens in Future Homes?
Will our future homes be built without kitchens? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Dining away from home is once again becoming a bigger part of America’s eating habits. Mike North, president of the producer division at Ever.Ag, says we’re consuming a lot of food away from home. “So much that more than 50 percent of the food …
AgNet Weekly: Alexis Taylor on Trade Missions for Specialty Crops
USDA Undersecretary for Trade, Alexis Taylor, keyed in on trade missions that could be particularly beneficial to the nation’s specialty crop industries. Sabrina Halvorson talked with her at the recent National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual convention. Each week we highlight essential legislative and policy conversations affecting agriculture nationwide. Host Sabrina Halvorson is a 30-year media veteran known nationally for …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 12-08-2023
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended December 8, 2023, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended December 8, 2023, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 14,787 head compared to 13,321 last week and …
USDA December Cotton Crop Report
All cotton production is forecast at 12.8 million 480-pound bales, down 2 percent from the previous forecast and down 12 percent from 2022. Based on conditions as of December 1, yields are expected to average 765 pounds per harvested acre, down 18 pounds from the previous forecast and down 185 pounds from 2022. All cotton area harvested is forecast at 8.02 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast but up 10 percent from 2022. …
Developing a New Peanut Variety Resistant to Leaf Spot
According to the National Peanut Board, efforts have been underway to develop a variety that is resistant to leaf spot. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to Support Forage Development and Management PracticesMarch 6, 2026CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows …
USDA’s NRCS Chief Expects Lots of Excitement in 2024
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s influx of funds for programs in 2023 provides a great opportunity for producers to implement or expand conservation practices on their operations. I recently visited with NRCS Chief, Terry Cosby, to learn more. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to Support Forage Development and Management PracticesMarch 6, 2026CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Strong October U.S. Pork Exports, Modest Rebound for Beef Exports
According to new data from USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S. pork exports posted another strong performance in October, led by record-large shipments to Mexico and broad-based growth elsewhere. And while beef exports in October remained well below last year’s large totals, there was improvement from September led by stronger demand in Mexico and Taiwan. …
Theory of Christmas Tree Tradition
How did the tradition of the Christmas tree get started? Gary Crawford has one of several possible theories coming up on This Land of Ours. No one knows for sure exactly how the tradition of decorating an Evergreen tree for the holidays got started, but one story is called “The Blessing of the Fir Tree.” Agriculture Department history researcher Anne …