Hurricane Recovery Funding Applauded by State Officials Florida’s agricultural sector is set to receive a major infusion of federal support following consecutive years of devastating hurricanes. Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced $675 million in federal block grant funding dedicated to aiding Florida’s agricultural producers impacted by the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons. Reporting by Dale …
ADAI Bicentennial and Century and Heritage Farm Applications Now Open
Honoring Alabama’s Agricultural Legacy The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is now accepting applications for its annual Century and Heritage Farm Program and the Bicentennial Farm Program. These long-standing initiatives were developed to recognize and celebrate family-owned farms that have made a lasting impact on Alabama’s agricultural history. Southeast AgNet’s Dale Sandlin reports: According to ADAI, these programs …
Rollins Announces Disaster Relief in Florida
USDA and Florida Partner on $675.9 Million Block Grant U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently visited Florida to meet with agricultural leaders and producers, where she announced major disaster recovery assistance for the state’s farmers. During her visit, Secretary Rollins signed a Block Grant Agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to provide targeted support …
Early Turnpikes Paved the Way for American Agriculture
The Forgotten Role of Roads in Ag History In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights a surprisingly critical piece of infrastructure that helped shape the nation’s farming future—early turnpike roads. While we often think of tractors, irrigation systems, and railroads when discussing agricultural development, the role of rural roads was equally foundational. Turnpikes: A Solution to Isolation In …
Rubber Tires Revolutionized American Tractors
From Steel Lugs to Rubber: A Turning Point in Ag Innovation How Florida Growers and Harvey Firestone Changed Farming Forever In the early days of American agriculture, tractors and steam engines rolled on steel lug wheels—a technological advancement for their time, but far from perfect. These rigid wheels caused extreme vibrations, often shook bolts loose, and carved deep holes into …
Senate Committee Advances Bill To Provide Funding to USDA Agencies
Senate Moves Forward with $27.1 Billion USDA Funding Package The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations has advanced the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, a bill allocating $27.1 billion in discretionary spending to key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies. According to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the measure is designed to strengthen …
Southern Peanut Growers Conference Preview
Southeast Peanut Industry Gathers in Florida for Annual Conference Peanut farmers across the southeastern United States are gearing up for one of the industry’s most anticipated events of the year—the 26th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference. Set to take place July 23–25 at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida, the three-day gathering will host around 300 attendees …
Rollins Announces Disaster Assistance for Florida’s Farmers
USDA to Deliver $675.9 Million in Relief to Hurricane-Affected Producers U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a significant financial aid package to support Florida farmers impacted by recent hurricanes. A total of $675.9 million in disaster relief will be provided through the USDA, targeting losses caused by Hurricanes Idalia, Debbie, Helene, and Milton. Dale Sandlin with Southeast AgNet …
Beef Prices Hit Record Highs in June
Ground Beef Prices Continue Upward Climb Ground beef prices in the United States surged to new highs in June, reflecting ongoing challenges in the cattle industry and global trade dynamics. According to a report from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, prices are being driven up by a combination of domestic herd contraction and international import restrictions. Dale Sandlin with …
Meat Processors Gather in Kansas City for 2025 AAMP Convention
The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) is set to kick off its annual convention tomorrow in Kansas City, drawing more than 1,600 processors from across the country. As the largest trade organization representing both small and large-scale meatpacking professionals, AAMP continues to honor its historic roots while addressing today’s most pressing challenges in food safety and security. Honoring a …