A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would expand the Commodity Credit Corporations annual borrowing authority. The legislation from Republican Representative Austin Scott of Georgia would raise the CCC’s borrowing authority from $30 billion to $68 billion. Scott says the move would give the Department of Agriculture greater flexibility to maintain farm bill programs that support …
USMCA To Take Effect July 1
The Trump administration recently notified Congress that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement will take effect on July 1. Last week, President Trump issued an executive order to create an inter-agency committee to monitor and enforce labor provisions of the USCMA, as required by the law to implement the trade agreement. According to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), USMCA provides U.S. …
Ag Economy Barometer Reaches Three-Year Low
Commodity price declines, supply-chain disruptions, and coronavirus concerns pushed the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer down to a three-year low in April. The barometer recorded a reading of 96, marking the first time the barometer has fallen below 100 since October 2016, and was 72 points below its record high just two months prior. The Ag Economy Barometer is …
Low Temperatures Could Impact Seed Germination
By Clint Thompson Row crop farmers need to be wary of cooler temperatures this week, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agricultural Climatologist. Producers are planting cotton and peanuts. But if temperatures drop into the 40s as weather.com predicts for Tifton, Georgia, they could impact seed germination. “I’m not a seed specialist but I know that if you …
Commissioner Nikki Fried, Florida Forest Service Warn Floridians of Increased Wildfire Danger
Tallahassee, Fla.– Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service are urging Floridians to exercise caution due to the increased threat of wildfires. Fire danger has increased throughout the state due to windy conditions and critically low relative humidity over the coming days. Gusty conditions are possible in the Panhandle and Big Bend with the passage of a dry …
Planting in Full Swing
Seed is going into the ground across many areas of the Southeast right now. Tyron Spearman looks at how some of the individual crops are progressing. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided Opportunity To Highlight Difficult Farming SubjectMarch 20, 2026Valley Helps Growers Get The Most Out Of Every AcreMarch 19, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Builds Relationships Between Researchers and Cattle …
USDA Announces $5 Million in Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Funds
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the availability of up to $5 million for wetland mitigation banks. This funding, through the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, is available to help conservation partners develop or establish mitigation banks to help agricultural producers maintain eligibility for USDA programs. “Wetlands are critically important to the health of our natural resources — …
Secretary Perdue Issues Letters on Meat Packing Expectations
(Washington, D.C., May 6, 2020) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue last night sent the following two letters to governors across the nation and leadership of major meat processing companies. These letters establish the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) clear expectations for the implementation of President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order signed last week. The President’s Executive Order directs plants …
Florida NRCS Moves Bronson Field Office to Trenton
Florida NRCS Moves Bronson Field Office to Trenton USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has announced they are moving the Bronson Field Office to Trenton, Florida on May 14. The Trenton office will continue to serve farmers and ranchers in Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy counties. The new address is 1727 East Wade Street, Suite D, Trenton, Fla. 32693, …
U.S.-U.K. Trade Talks This Week
Trade talks got underway virtually this week between the United States and the United Kingdom. The talks come more than 18 months after U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notified Congress of the intent to begin talks with the United Kingdom. A video conference started the talks. In March, the U.K. published its objectives for trade negotiations with the United States. …