Georgia Cold Weather Update from Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black

“The cold weather this week, in addition to cooler temperatures throughout this winter season, have proven beneficial to many of our crops by providing much needed chill hours. In fact, peach and blueberry crops have received more chill hours this year than the last two years combined.  We must of course always be realistic in the fact that there is …

USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Modernize Swine Inspection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced its continued effort to modernize inspection systems through science-based approaches to food safety. USDA is proposing to amend the federal meat inspection regulations to establish a new voluntary inspection system for market hog slaughter establishments called the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS), while also requiring additional …

Georgia General Assembly Discussing Budget Issues

The Georgia General Assembly just started the 2018 session last week, but already discussions concerning the new budget have taken place. Georgia Agribusiness Council President Bryan Tolar, looks at that and other issues they will be tracking this year. Georgia General Assembly Discussing Budget Issues Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, …

Celebrating a Popular Crunchy Snack

Cathy Isom has a few popping tidbits about the popular crunchy snack you’ll want to get your hands on today. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Celebrating a Popular Crunchy Snack Don’t let this day slip through your fingers. It’s National Popcorn Day. A day to celebrate a time-honored treat can be enjoyed sweet or savory, caramelized, buttered …

NAFTA on Farmers’ Minds, China Bigger Trade Challenge

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks may be foremost on farmers’ minds these days, but two deputy U.S. Trade Representative nominees told Senate Finance members, China is the bigger trade challenge. President Trump tapped Dennis Shea to be a deputy U.S. Trade Representative to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, and Shea, who’s headed the China-U.S. Economic and …

EU Moves to Ban Palm Oil from Biofuels

The European Union (EU) gave approval to a climate plan that includes banning palm oil from use in fuels, angering palm oil producers. Indonesia and Malaysia, the two largest palm oil producing nations in the world, call the move a protectionist trade barrier. The ban is part of a power market overhaul aimed at reducing energy consumption to meet climate …

Conaway: Farm Bill on Track for March Unveil

The House version of the 2018 farm bill remains on track for a March unveiling, according to House Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Conaway. The Republican told Politico the committee is waiting for an official 10-year cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office to ensure “we can afford the proposal.” The committee started working on the House version of the bill …

Ag Coalition Formed to Support NAFTA

A new coalition of agriculture groups is focusing on the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). More than 30 organizations across the agriculture sector announced the formation of Americans for Farmers & Families, noting that food and agriculture supports 43 million U.S. jobs and depends on trade with Canada and Mexico. The group was formed to “ensure” …

Agri View: Withdrawing from NAFTA

Everett Griner talks about withdrawing from NAFTA, North American Free Trade Agreement, could be disastrous for agriculture in today’s Agri View. Agri View: Withdrawing from NAFTA There is a lot about NAFTA that most Americans don’t understand. In fact, I would say there is very little they do understand. Here are just a few things that economist say would most …