Survey Indicates 11.5 Million U.S. Cotton Acres to Be Planted

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cotton, Florida, Georgia

According to the National Cotton Council’s 40th annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey, U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 11.5 million cotton acres in 2021, down 5.2% from 2020. Upland cotton intentions are 11.3 million acres, down 4.9% from 2020, while extra-long staple (ELS) intentions of 161,000 acres represent a 20.7% decline. The NCC questionnaire was mailed in December to …

Enrollment Deadline for ARC, PLC Programs Nearing

Clint Thompson USDA

Agricultural producers are being reminded the deadline to enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2021 crop year is March 15. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety-net programs help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops. ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual …

NCBA on Transportation Committee

Clint Thompson Cattle

In the U.S. Congress there are various committees, one of those being the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera gives an update on that committee along with providing information about the hours-of-service issue, which continues to see extensions for livestock and feed haulers. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research …

COVID-19 Assistance Package Includes Provisions from Stabenow

Clint Thompson Coronavirus

The COVID-19 Assistance Package includes provisions supported by Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow. Stabenow says, “We need to take bold action to get farmers, families and rural communities the help they need to weather this crisis and come out stronger on the other end.” The Michigan Democrat worked with House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott from Georgia and House Education …

Georgia Beef Promoted During Chili Week

Clint Thompson Beef, Georgia

The Beef Checkoff program in Georgia took part in a new event recently. According to Georgia Beef Board (GBB) Director of Public Relations Taylor Evans, restaurants that participated in Atlanta Chili Week cooked thousands of bowls of chili. For more information about this and other Beef Checkoff promotions in Georgia, contact the GBB office in Macon. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers …

Alabama Cattlemen Promoting Two Cook-Off Events

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cattle

Two big cook-off events will be held in Alabama, one in March and one in April. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell says the first event will take place during the annual SLE Rodeo in Montgomery. To learn more about Beef Checkoff promotions in Alabama, contact the ACA office in Montgomery or go to its …

‘Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300’ is Saturday

Clint Thompson Beef, Florida

The Florida Beef Council (FBC) is excited about being a part of the big Beef Checkoff promotional race event this week. FBC Director of Education & Promotion DeAnne Maples says they are pleased to have several folks from other states coming in to help during the “Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300” at the Daytona International Speedway. The “Beef It’s What’s …

Alabama Peanut Farmers Meet

Clint Thompson Alabama, Peanuts

Peanut farmers from across Alabama were in Dothan last Thursday for the 2021 annual Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) meeting. Bob Redding with The Redding Firm provided a Washington update at the meeting. Dr. Marshall Lamb, a research leader at the National Peanut Lab in Dawson, Georgia presented market update. The APPA board members voted to re-elect their current officers. …

Vilsack: Trade is Necessary and Important for Agriculture

Clint Thompson Trade

During his recent confirmation hearing, Agriculture Secretary Nominee Tom Vilsack discussed many issues. This included trade, and how important it is for agriculture. While Vilsack is expected to be easily confirmed by the full Senate, some feel that process may now be delayed until after the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In …

U.S. Ethanol Exports Surpass 1.3 Billion Gallons for 2020

Clint Thompson Exports/Imports

Data from the Department of Agriculture shows U.S. ethanol exports for 2020 totaled 1.3 billion gallons, down 9.8% from 2019 and hovering around 2017 levels. However, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “We’re optimistic to see worldwide ethanol demand continue to provide U.S. producers with market opportunities.” Canada took over as the top export market for U.S. ethanol, with 326.4 …