A Vital Waterway in American Agriculture The Colorado River, stretching an impressive 1,450 miles, stands as the fifth-longest river in the United States. Its name, Colorado, comes from the Spanish word for “colored reddish,” a reference to the river’s heavy silt load that once gave it a distinctive hue. Originating in the central Rocky Mountains, this river plays a critical …
Governor Kay Ivey Proclaims October 12 as Farmer’s Day in Alabama Farmers across Alabama are getting long-overdue recognition thanks to a new statewide observance. Last week, Governor Kay Ivey officially proclaimed October 12th as Farmer’s Day in Alabama, joined by Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate. We spoke with Commissioner Pate to learn what inspired this important …
Cattle Futures Remain Strong Amid Tight Supply, Heifer Retention Trends Live cattle and feeder cattle futures continue to hold strong as the market processes last week’s mostly neutral Cattle on Feed report, which, despite its tone, still reflects historically tight numbers in the U.S. cattle supply. “Keeping an eye on live cattle and feeder cattle futures, especially after the neutral, …
Georgia Peanut Tour Highlights State’s Dominance in U.S. Peanut Production The 2025 Georgia Peanut Tour wrapped up this past week, shining a spotlight on the state’s leadership in U.S. peanut production. Hosted by the Georgia Peanut Commission, University of Georgia, and other industry leaders, the tour offered insight into crop progress, acreage growth, and the counties leading the charge. “The …
University of Nebraska Leads Efforts to Defend U.S. Agriculture from Cyberattacks With the rapid adoption of digital tools in modern farming, American agriculture is becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. The same sensors, GPS, and cloud-based systems that drive precision and efficiency are also opening the door to cybercriminals targeting critical farm infrastructure and data. From livestock management software to automated …
Florida Preserves 958 Acres of Agricultural Land in Volusia County Through Rural Lands Easement Florida continues to make strides in agricultural land preservation. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has permanently preserved Double Eagle Ranch, a 958-acre property in Volusia County, through a rural lands protection easement. Double Eagle …
By Clint Thompson Georgia cotton producers are beginning to harvest this season’s crop. The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia (UGA) Cotton Team remind growers that there are management options that they need to be mindful of for this season and next, especially related to disease control. Bob Kemerait, UGA Extension plant pathologist, highlighted cotton diseases while speaking at …
Introduction to Franklin King Franklin King is a significant yet often overlooked figure in American agricultural history. Born in 1848 in Whitewater, Wisconsin, King made lasting contributions to the field as an agricultural scientist, shaping practices that continue to influence farming today. Academic Career and Contributions From 1888 to 1902, Franklin King served as a professor of agricultural physics at …
Farm Rescue Act Aims to Deliver Faster Relief for U.S. Farmers in Tough Economy Amid growing economic pressure on America’s farmers, a new piece of legislation is making waves in Washington. The Farm Rescue Act, introduced this week by Congresswoman Julia Lutlow, is designed to provide timely financial relief for producers enrolled in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. “Well, …
It’s harvest time across rural America, and whether it’s grains, fruits, vegetables, or grapes, farmers are in full swing gathering the year’s bounty. It’s no coincidence that this week in September has been designated as National Farm Safety and Health Week—a timely reminder that safety and wellness are just as critical as yields. “It’s harvest time across rural America, be …
