Sweet Grown Alabama announced it has been awarded a grant to track locally grown products purchased by five grocery store and distribution partners in the state. Awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in partnership with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI), this specialty crop block grant provides financial incentives to the stores in exchange for local …
USDA Announces Dealer Statutory Trust to Protect Livestock Sellers
The Department of Agriculture this week announced a new Dealer Statutory Trust to Protect Livestock Sellers. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed in December, amended the Packers and Stockyards Act by adding language to establish a “Dealer Statutory Trust” for the benefit of unpaid cash sellers of livestock. Much like the existing packer and poultry trusts, the amendment requires livestock dealers …
Timpoochee: 4-H Camp in Need of Repairs Following Eta
Hurricane Eta soaked Florida when it made landfall last November. Left in its wake were structures and facilities at Camp Timpoochee, a 95-year-old 4-H camp located along the shore of Choctwhatchee Bay in Niceville, Florida. Scott Angle, Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources at the UF/IFAS, provided an update on what it will take to rebuild and have up …
New BQA and MBA Program Updates for 2021
This week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced new updates and initiatives to its Beef Checkoff funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) programs for 2021, as well as updates to their educational training modules. NCBA Director of Beef Quality Assurance Programs Chase DeCoite told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman they will also be launching a …
Push for More Farmers and Ranchers to be Eligible for PPP Loans
Lawmakers are seeking clarified terms to ensure more farmers and ranchers are eligible for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The request was in a letter to the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration. Led by Democratic Representative Ron Kind and Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin, along with Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the lawmakers say many farmers …
Beef Industry Receives Lots of Exposure at Daytona
The “Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300” NASCAR race took place this past Saturday at the Daytona International Speedway. While beef industry personnel from across the country were on hand for the big event, the Florida Beef Council (FBC) helped to spearhead a majority of the big Beef Checkoff promotional effort. Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked with FBC …
Senate Sets Vote for Vilsack Confirmation
The Senate will vote to confirm Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary next week. The exact time is uncertain, but the Senate calendar has the vote planned for Tuesday, Feb. 23. The Senate will debate the nomination for 20 minutes before voting, with the majority and minority parties receiving equal time. Expect smooth sailing for Vilsack, who breezed through the Senate …
Georgia Beef Board Attends Beef 300 Race
The beef industry and NASCAR teamed together this past week for the “Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300” race in Daytona, Florida. Georgia Beef Board (GBB) Director of Public Relations Taylor Evans told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman she was there to help promote the beef message. For more information about Beef Checkoff programs in Georgia, contact the GBB office in …
Alabama Legislature Passes Three Priority Business Bills
The 2021 Alabama Legislative Session is taking a break this week. Due to COVID-19, the session has a different look this year. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Vice President Erin Beasley says while there has been limited access for lobbyists, legislators handled three priority business bills. For questions about the Alabama Legislative Session, contact Beasley at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association …
NCBA to Hold Winter Reboot General Sessions
We are just one week away from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Winter Reboot General Sessions. Those interested can log in virtually on Feb. 23-24 for two days of education, market outlooks, a robust virtual marketplace and lots of fun. The Winter Reboot experience will feature two General Sessions led by NCBA’s own CEO Colin Woodall, Vice President of …