The Georgia Beef Expo committee has announced it has elected to cancel the 2021 Georgia Beef Expo that was scheduled for April 2-3 in Perry, Georgia. The committee explored different options in an attempt to continue the tradition but felt this was the most prudent course of action considering the uncertainty in travel for exhibitors and the recent spike in …
More Farmers Plan to Get COVID-19 Vaccine
A question in the recent Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer finds more farmers say they will get the COVID-19 vaccine. The Ag Economy Barometer for January, released this week, finds producers’ attitudes about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine have shifted since the fall, with nearly six out of ten producers, 58%, planning to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Just 24% …
NMPF: 2021 Holds Promise
National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President CEO Jim Mulhern says 2021 holds promise with a big to-do list. In the new Congress, the organization seeks to advance dairy’s needs within COVID-19 relief legislation. Child nutrition programs are up for reauthorization, offering a chance to maintain and expand dairy options in school meals and build upon the strong reaffirmation of dairy’s …
Alabama Sweet Potato Farmer to Be Featured on National TV Show
Sweet potatoes are not a crop we think a lot about across the Southeast. But one farmer in Baldwin County, Alabama thinks about them regularly. His story will receive both statewide and national exposure. On the next episode of “Simply Southern TV”, Joel Sirmon will explain what it takes to grow sweet potatoes. Alabama Farmers Federation’s Kevin Worthington, co-host of …
Busy Week for Georgia Lawmakers
Week four of the 2021 Georgia State Legislative Session was a busy one for lawmakers, including more work on the state budget. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley says they are still hearing about some positive things in the budget for agriculture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted food and agriculture workers were among the 30 …
AAC Postpones Annual Legislative Reception
While the 2021 Alabama Legislative Session officially kicked off this week, one annual event that many are familiar with will not take place, at least not yet. The Alabama Agribusiness Council (AAC) has announced the postponement of their legislative reception. Due to COVID-19 precautions, organizations have been asked to refrain from hosting receptions. The AAC is honoring that request. The …
Morris Elected Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission
TIFTON, Ga. (Feb. 4, 2021) – Armond Morris, peanut farmer from Tifton, Georgia, was elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission during the monthly board meeting in January. This is Morris’ 20th term as chairman of the commission. He served as chairman of the board previously in 1996 and 1997, 2003 and every year since 2005. “I look forward to …
GPC Set to Host Virtual Research and Report Day
Georgia peanut research continues in the era of COVID-19. The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) reminds farmers and industry leaders that the commission’s Research and Report Day will be held virtually Wednesday, Feb. 10. Growers and industry representatives can learn about the latest information regarding peanut research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission in 2020. “We really use it as …
Ag Economy Barometer Drifts Lower
The Ag Economy Barometer drifted lower in January to a reading of 167, a decline of seven points compared to December and equal to the index’s November reading. Organizers say the barometer’s decline over the last three months is attributable to weaker expectations for the future. The Index of Future Expectations has fallen 35 points or about 19% since October. …
Farm Bankruptcies Decline During 2020
Farm bankruptcies slightly decreased in 2020, but an industry economist warns farmers are “not out of the woods yet.” Caseload statistics from U.S. Courts indicate that Chapter 12 family farm and family fishery bankruptcies totaled 552 filings during 2020, down 43 filings, or 7%, from 2019, the third highest over the last decade. American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John …