Meat Plants Employed Nearly 31% of U.S. Food Workers in 2021

The latest federal data shows that in 2021, the U.S. food and beverage manufacturing sector employed 1.7 million people, or more than 1.1 percent of all U.S. nonfarm employment. Within the U.S. manufacturing sector, food and beverage manufacturing accounted for the largest share of employees, 15.4 percent. USDA’s Economic Research Service Monday announced the data, noting that these employees help …

Breeding Better Potatoes for Better Potato Chips

Breeding better potatoes for better potato chips. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Americans eat more potato chips than any other nation; more than four pounds a person a year, according to Potatoes USA. About 22 percent of the U.S. potato crop—nearly 7,500 million pounds annually—are made into chips. And USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) helps ensure that the country …

Peanut Market Update

The peanut market is still quiet, and as Tyron Spearman reports, that means no new contracts are being offered at this time. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers QuestionsJune 5, 2026Cattle Producers Proud of Efforts Funded Through the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardMay 29, 2026Florida Cattle …

Alabama YCLP Applications Close Wednesday

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) continues to cultivate future leaders of the association and industry through the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP). Funded in part by the Alabama State Beef Checkoff, YCLP develops young producers into leaders of the future. ACA Executive Vice President, Erin Beasley, wants producers to know now is the time to apply for Class Ten, as those applications are only being accepted …

Florida Beef Council Hosts Culinary Group

The Florida Beef Council (FBC) attends a variety of events and meetings each year talking about the many benefits of beef. But last week, FBC Director of Education & Promotion, DeAnne Maples, was able to stay in the office to host a few folks. She told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman it was a group of culinary professionals. For more information, contact the FBC …

Talking Red Meat Export Impact on Corn and Soy Value at Commodity Classic

During Commodity Classic last week in Orlando, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) leaders were on hand discussing the impact red meat exports have on corn and soybean prices. USMEF Chair Dean Meyer, a livestock and grain producer from northwest Iowa, points out the importance of USMEF joining supporting commodity groups at the annual gathering. During Commodity Classic, USMEF noted red meat exports …

Financial Markets Facing No Win Situation

We’ve all heard the story about the recent failure of the Silicon Valley Bank. Today, Mark Oppold reports there are some analysts noting how the financial markets are currently facing a no win situation. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers QuestionsJune 5, 2026Cattle Producers Proud …

USDA Announces Investment in Meat and Poultry Processing Research, Expansion and Innovation

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of more than $43 million in meat and poultry processing research, innovation and expansion in support of its ongoing efforts to transform the food system at every stage along the supply chain. This investment is funded through the American Rescue Plan and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). “Farmers rely …

Groups Speaking Up on Barriers to Rural Broadband Expansion

Taking on barriers to rural broadband expansion – that’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Rural lawmakers are ramping up congressional oversight of federal broadband expansion efforts. In response, rural broadband advocates, farm groups, and telecom experts are speaking up on overcoming key barriers to successfully closing the digital divide. Director of innovation policy for the International Center for …

DeSantis, Florida Cabinet Approve Land Deals

(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/March 13, 2023) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet on Monday approved plans to spend more than $46 million to help keep from development 21,000 acres in five counties. The deals included two land purchases under the Florida Forever program and acquiring three conservation easements, which will allow landowners to continue cattle and hunting operations in exchange …