(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Oct. 17, 2023) — Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is seeking $300 million for a program designed to keep swaths of rural land from commercial and residential development, triple the amount vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this year. Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Protection is asking lawmakers for a slight increase next year in funding for the separate Florida Forever …
USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program Applications from Florida Producers in 28 Counties
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for applications from agricultural producers for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Ian. The application deadline has been extended to November 27,2023. ECP provides financial assistance to producers to help them restore their farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants may receive up to 75 percent of the cost …
Arkansas Farmer Wins Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year Award
On the first day of the 45th annual Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia, the Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award luncheon was held and the winner announced. The 10 state winners were on hand for the announcement, and this year’s winner was Steve Cobb, from Lake City, Arkansas. From the Southeast AgNet Radio Network coverage area, the Alabama state …
USDA Organic Transition Program Celebrates First Year
The USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) recently marked its first anniversary. It’s an investment of up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations that are partnering with others to provide technical assistance and support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. USDA Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt says the program offers several benefits for growers. …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Hits Major Membership Mark
Each year, members of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) work to build their memberships numbers. And according to ACA Executive Vice President, Erin Beasley, they just hit a major number of folks who have joined the Association this year. To learn more, contact the ACA office in Montgomery at 334-265-1867. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding …
Florida Beef Council Attends Conference in Denver
Last week, the Florida Beef Council (FBC) participated in the Partnership in Action Conference. FBC Director of Beef Marketing and Promotion, DeAnne Maples, says this is where they get updates on the latest Beef Checkoff promotions and marketing ideas. For more information on Beef Checkoff activities in Florida, contact the FBC office in Kissimmee. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle …
Register Now for Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Quarterly Meeting
Registration is open for the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (GCA) Cattlemen’s Connection quarterly meeting November 3rd, 2023. It will be held in Athens, and this meeting will be production focused with a pen working demonstration to share tips and tricks of cattle handling. There will also be a calving simulator instructional talk by Dr. Angie McDaniel, and a chute side cattle working demonstration. …
Watching the Energy Sector
Analysts are keeping an eye on the energy sector right now. Mark Oppold explains what they are watching for. 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
USDA Extends Milk Loss Program Deadline
U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) did extend the application deadline for the Milk Loss Program (MLP) to this coming Monday, October 30th. This is to allow more time for eligible dairy farmers to apply for much-needed weather-related disaster recovery assistance. Administered by the Farm Service Agency, MLP compensates dairy producers who, because of qualifying weather events, dumped or removed milk …
Higher Interest Rates, Strong Dollar Affecting Rural Economies
CoBank says the combination of high interest rates and a strong U.S. dollar is beginning to take a disproportionate toll on rural industries like agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing. Most international transactions are still conducted in dollars, and a strong dollar makes U.S. exports more expensive and imports cheaper. CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange says that disproportionately hurts the backbone of the rural …