WTO Says Ag Trade Faring ‘Better’ During COVID-19; Producers Feeling Pressure

Clint Thompson Trade

A new report from the World Trade Organization (WTO) says agricultural trade has performed “better” than other economic sectors during COVID-19. However, Western Producer says the report notes that farmers and ranchers are still feeling pressure from lower food prices. “Overall merchandise trade fell sharply in the first half of this year, but agricultural and food exports increased by 2.5% …

NRCS Investing Up to $360 Million in Partner-Driven Conservation

Clint Thompson USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continues to invite potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will award up to $360 million to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. Requests between $250,000 …

USDA Designates Two Alabama Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Clint Thompson Alabama

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated two Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Mobile and Washington counties who suffered losses due to excessive rainfall and flash flooding from Tropical Storm Cristobal that occurred June 7 through June 10, 2020, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency …

Georgia Peanut Commission Partners with Atlanta Hawks Star Trae Young in Donating Peanut Butter to Atlanta-Area Schools

Clint Thompson Georgia, Peanuts

TIFTON, Ga. (Sept. 8, 2020) – The Georgia Peanut Commission and the Trae Young Family Foundation partnered to donate 7,200 jars of Peanut Proud peanut butter to metro Atlanta school food pantries during the month of August. Peanut butter, one of the most requested items among food banks, is one of Young’s favorite snacks he enjoys regularly to stay nourished …

USDA Reminds Farmers of Sept. 30 Deadline to Update Safety-Net Program Crop Yields

Clint Thompson USDA

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farm owners that they have a one-time opportunity to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. The deadline is September 30, 2020, to update yields, which are used to calculate the PLC payments for 2020 through 2023. Additionally, producers who elected Agriculture Risk …

Sign-up Underway for Alabama Cattle Producer Direct Payment Program

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cattle

It was announced a few weeks ago that $26 Million of CARES Act Funds were being made available to assist Alabama Agriculture impacted by COVID-19. The Alabama Agricultural Stabilization Program (AASP), with funds being directed to seven different programs, was made possible by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. According to Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive …

Peanut Market Update

Clint Thompson Economy, Peanuts

Overall, peanut markets have remained quiet. But Tyron Spearman has an update of where the numbers currently stand. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided Opportunity To Highlight Difficult Farming SubjectMarch 20, 2026Valley Helps Growers Get The Most Out Of Every AcreMarch 19, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Builds Relationships Between Researchers and Cattle ProducersMarch 13, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to …

July Beef and Pork Exports Rebound, But Still Below Last Year

Clint Thompson Beef, Exports/Imports, Pork

The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows July exports of U.S. beef rebounded from recent lows but remained below 2019 levels. Here is U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Economist, Erin Borror. U.S. pork exports, which are on a record pace in 2020, were also down year-over-year in July but increased compared to June. Borro says it …

Sunbelt Ag Expo Offering New Blog Series

Clint Thompson Georgia

Staff and Ag specialists can’t see you at the Sunbelt Ag Expo this year, but we can still “meet” you online. Beginning Sept. 8, join us every Tuesday on Facebook, Instagram or at http://sunbeltexpo.com/blog-series/ as we release new information on each month’s featured topic.  We look forward to seeing you there! Here is a list of the different topics to be …

CFAP Part Two Announcement Coming This Week

Clint Thompson USDA

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said USDA is finished writing the rules for the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Late last week at a stop in Iowa, the secretary said the rules have been written and they’ll be announced this week. The Bismarck Tribune says the first $16 billion in funding during the first round of the program …