USDA Announces $15 Million for Conservation Innovation Grants

Clint Thompson USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $15 million investment to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through June 29, 2020, for national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving solutions that boost production on farms, ranches and private forests and improve …

U.S. Pork, Beef Industries Find Innovative Ways to Communicate with International Customers

Clint Thompson Alabama, Beef, Florida, Georgia, Pork

With more people across the globe working from home, spending more time at home and cooking and eating much more frequently at home, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), together with the U.S. beef and pork industries, have been working to find innovative ways to communicate with international consumers. Joe Schuele has the story. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, …

A Decision on Holding the World Dairy Expo Coming July 1

Clint Thompson Alabama, Dairy, Florida, Georgia

While the staff at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, is still in the process of planning for this year’s event, a final decision hasn’t been made yet on whether it will take place. The event is scheduled to start in late September, and staff members are keeping an eye on conditions surrounding COVID-19 and its potential impact on …

Alabama Extension Agent: Anytime We Have a Recession, Demand for Cotton Drops Off

Clint Thompson Alabama, Corn, Cotton, Field Crops, Peanuts, Soybeans

Other Commodity Prices Could Rebound Quicker By Clint Thompson One Alabama Extension regional farm and agribusiness management agent is hopeful commodity prices will rebound once the ongoing coronavirus pandemic subsides. At least for all row crops except cotton, which could take longer to recover from. “Anytime we have a recession, or the economy takes a hit, when consumers don’t have …

Peanut Utilization is Up

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Peanuts

The latest Peanut and Stocks Report shows the utilization of peanuts was up in March. Tyron Spearman runs through the new numbers. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida 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 …

Reduction in World Mill Use for Cotton

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cotton, Florida, Georgia

In their April report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reduced world mill use for cotton for the 2019-2020 crop year by 7.6 million bales, as compared to the March estimates. At 110.6 million bales, this would be one of the largest annual declines on record with lower consumption estimates for every major country. For comparison, in the 2018 crop …

Peanut Growers Spreading Good During COVID-19 Pandemic

Clint Thompson Alabama, Peanuts

Peanut butter is one of the most popular food items requested by food banks. Not only is it full of protein and several essential vitamins and nutrients, peanut butter is shelf-stable, versatile and does not require refrigeration. Alabama peanut growers take pride in growing a crop that provides so much to those who are food insecure. “We are blessed to …

Georgia 4-H’er Uses Project Achievement Skills to Sew Masks for Children

Clint Thompson Georgia

By Cristina Luisa deRevere, UGA CAES News With the current shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, children visiting the hospital for emergency needs do not have proper protection from COVID-19. Emma Wilson, a 10-year-old from Hancock County, Georgia is using her 4-H Project Achievement skills to help by sewing masks specifically for children. “I have several family …

Alabama Peanut Planting at Full Speed Next Week

Clint Thompson Alabama, Peanuts

By Clint Thompson Alabama peanut farmers are expected to go full throttle next week in planting this year’s crop. Alabama Extension peanut specialist Kris Balkcom says the cool temperatures this week were not ideal planting conditions. But that’s expected to change in a few days. “It’s going to bust off next week, after this (cold) front gets out of here. …

NCBA Officials Discuss Executive Order with White House

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cattle, Florida, Georgia

This week, President Trump signed the executive order keeping meatpacking plants open during the COVID-19 pandemic by using the Defense Production Act. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) officials, in a call with the White House, were able to learn more about the details of this executive order. One of those on the call was NCBA President Marty Smith from Florida. …