Rural Mainstreet Index Improving

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

Rural Mainstreet Climbs to Highest Level Since September 2015: But Only 15 Percent Report Expanding Economy February Survey Results at a Glance: * The overall index, while remaining below growth neutral, rose to its highest level since September 2015. * More than one-third of bank CEOs reported their local economy remains in an economic downturn.  Only 14.9 percent of bankers indicated their local …

AFBF Joins Groups in Support of Farm Bill Funding

Dan Farm Bill, Industry News Release, Legislative

Reduced spending under the 2014 farm bill contributed greatly to the nation’s deficit reduction effort. However, additional cuts to the 2018 farm bill would present perils on many fronts, a diverse coalition today told congressional appropriations and budget leaders. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in …

USDA Seeks Nominees for the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Dan Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations to fill 13 seats on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. The board is seeking nominees for two producer member seats and two handler member seats in District One. It is also seeking nominees for one public member seat and eight importer member seats. Selected representatives will serve three-year terms. Sponsored ContentFlorida …

USDA Announces Webinar Series about Project Applications for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program

Dan Industry News Release

Pre-proposals for innovative partner-driven projects due April 21 In January 2017, USDA invited potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Through this fourth RCPP Announcement for Program Funding (APF), USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will award up to $252 million to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water …

Senate Panel Backs Money for St. Johns River

Dan Florida, Legislative, Water

From: The News Service of Florida Looking to tap conservation money approved by voters in 2014, a Senate committee Tuesday approved a plan that would earmark $35 million a year for projects related to the St. Johns River or the Keystone Heights lake region in North Florida. The Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee unanimously approved the proposal (SB 234), …

Dunn Plan Targets ‘Urgent’ Apalachicola Problem

Dan Florida, Legislative, Water

From: The News Service of Florida With backing from a dozen other members of Florida’s U.S. House delegation, Congressman Neal Dunn announced Tuesday he has filed a resolution seeking to block the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from using a water-control plan impacting the Apalachicola Bay region. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, …

Stats from Farms and Land in Farms Survey

Dan General

The total number of U.S. farms, and acres in farms, declined in 2016, per USDA’s yearly survey on such trends. Joe Parsons, with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, talks about the figures released last week in their annual look at the total number of farms, and land in U.S. farms, along with some of the trends from the 2016 survey. …

Help the Bees

Dan Environment, Nursery Crops

Continuing her series on pollinators, Cathy Isom gives us five ways to help out some magnificent creatures that are vital to our food supply. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …

Florida Cattlemen Prepare for Legislative Session Visit

Dan Cattle, Florida, Legislative

Many folks are preparing for the 2017 Florida legislative session, which starts in just a couple of weeks, and that includes the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. Southeast AgNet’s Tallahassee intern, Josie Tomko, talked with FCA Director of Governmental Affairs Sam Ard about their big annual event coming in just 3 weeks. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida …

Pleased with Alabama Cattlemen’s Convention

Dan Alabama, Cattle

The 74th Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Trade Show took place last week in Montgomery and Dr. Billy Powell, after taking part in his last convention as ACA’s Executive Vice President, was pleased with the event. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary …