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 ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, …

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 …

Georgia Beef Expo Cancelled

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Georgia

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

Clint Thompson Coronavirus

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

Clint Thompson Dairy

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

Clint Thompson Alabama, Vegetables

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

Clint Thompson Georgia

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

Clint Thompson Alabama

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

Clint Thompson Georgia, Peanuts

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 …