USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is extending crop insurance flexibilities for producers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Relief provided for electronic notifications and signatures is extended through July 15, 2021. Organic certification, replant self-certification and assignment of indemnity are extended through June 30, 2021. RMA is also allowing Approved Insurance Providers further flexibilities for production reporting, submitting written agreement requests and …
Seed Coat Fragments: GCC Encourages Producers to go to its Website for More Information
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) encourages producers dealing with seed coat fragments from this year’s crop to go to its website for more information, where Ed Barnes with Cotton Incorporated, talks about the issue and why it is so severe. “Seed coat fragments have popped up in limited capacities across the country every couple of years. We understand several different …
AI: The Future of Farming is Happening Today
What was once the future of farming is happening today at the University of Florida/IFAS. Scott Angle, Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources, explains how UF/IFAS is using artificial intelligence (AI) to help producers be more efficient in their farming operations. “It’s a fascinating issue right now. The University of Florida wants to move into the top 5 for …
Seed Coat Fragments Another Problem for Alabama Cotton Producers
As if cotton prices were not low enough, some producers across the Southeast are being penalized for seed coat fragments. It’s a deduction that costs farmers 4.45 cents per pound, said Steve Brown, Alabama Extension cotton specialist. “It’s a double whammy because you got punished on yields, and now you’re getting punished on fiber quality, too,” Brown said. Brown said …
Vice President’s Promise a Commitment to Students
The “Vice President’s Promise” at the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is a commitment that all undergraduate students have opportunities for immersive personal experiences outside the classroom. Scott Angle, Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources at the UF/IFAS, initiated the promise to the 4,200 undergraduate students that they would have access to an experience that …
Looking at the COVID Relief Package for Cattle Producers
When Congress passed the COVID Relief Package last month, funding was earmarked for agriculture, including support for those left out of earlier assistance. While that does include livestock producers, how does it actually help those in the cattle industry? National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Government Affairs, Danielle Beck, explains what they know about the recently signed package. …
Grain Exports End 2020 on High Note
The newest grain export sales report from the USDA for the week ending on Dec. 24 shows that 2020 is ending on a positive note. Soybean export sales for the 2020-2021 crop surpassed analyst expectations. The trade was looking for sales ranging between 7–25 million bushels. However, the new figure passed those estimates as sales jumped 74% from the previous …
EPA Nominee Reaches Out to Corn Growers
Michael Regan of North Carolina is Joe Biden’s nominee to oversee the Environmental Protection Agency. It didn’t take long for Regan to begin reaching out to U.S. agriculture. In fact, it was the day before the official nomination announcement that Regan called National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett. “He called me on my cell phone at night,” Doggett says. …
Peanut Market Update
Tyron Spearman has a look at the latest in peanut marketing news starting off the new year. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, 2026United Dairy Farmers of Florida Director …
Beltwide Cotton Conferences Set for 2021 Virtual Meetings
The National Cotton Council’s (NCC’s) 2021 Beltwide Cotton Conferences will kick off the 2021 virtual meeting schedule. The event, being held Jan. 5-7, will bring together industry stakeholders. Lauren Krogman is the Conferences Manager. Those wanting to participate in the live-stream event must register, and registration will continue afterwards to allow participants access to the event’s on-demand content. The conferences …