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 …
Farm Futures Survey Shows Farmers Planting More Corn in 2021
A new survey from Farm Futures shows that U.S. corn producers will increase their acreage by 4.1% compared to last year. The projected total is 94.7 million acres of corn this year. If farmers reach that number, that will put 2021 corn acreage at its third-highest amount over the past 75 years, trailing only 2012 at 97.3 million acres and …
Saturated Soils: Georgia Farmers Sidelined Due to Wet Weather
Georgia farmers are sidelined right now because of excessive rainfall in January and February. This could become problematic with planting season just around the corner. “We’re at or above saturated conditions right now all around. Any extra rainfall we’re getting right now, we’re losing to run-off. Our ponds and reservoirs and creeks are all at full capacity. I don’t think …
GDA Produce Safety Alliance Holding Virtual Training Session
A few weeks ago, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) held a 2-day virtual Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training where the slots filled up quick. We told you then they were already working on plans to hold another training. According to GDA Produce Safety Education and Outreach Coordinator Maggie Brown, sign-up for that virtual training is underway. These Grower Training …
USDA to Survey Planting Intentions
The cold, wet conditions being experienced across the Southeast has many wondering when the 2021 crop production season will ever begin. But with that time nearing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact producers to determine their plans for the upcoming growing season. “Each year, the agriculture industry awaits USDA’s Prospective Plantings report, which provides …