With the expiration of the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, U.S. farmers and ranchers could already be feeling the impact. Key programs supporting agriculture have been disrupted, and uncertainty looms over the industry. Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), highlighted some of the immediate consequences. “Most impacts won’t be felt until …
American Agriculture History Minute: Learning from the Squanto Indians in Plymouth Colony
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The first settlers in Plymouth Colony primarily planted barley and peas brought with them from England. But soon their most important crop would become Indian corn, or maize, as they were shown cultivating and fertilizer techniques from the Squanto Indians. Fertilizer came in the form of small fish. Plantation agriculture would …
Video: Robert Bonnie Message for Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene
USDA Undersecretary Robert Bonnie discusses the support and aid available from the USDA for agricultural communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Bonnie emphasizes the USDA’s commitment to assisting farmers through streamlined procedures and increased flexibility in programs like crop insurance and conservation efforts. There is a focus on reducing paperwork requirements, enhancing loss documentation processes, and providing emergency provisions. Additionally, the …
USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces EQIP Sign-Up
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) announces a fiscal year 2025 statewide federal assistance opportunity for agricultural and forest producers, through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This sign-up that concludes on November 15, 2024, will utilize 2018 Farm Bill and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding. While applications are accepted year-round, this ranking date announcement is for all general EQIP, special initiatives, …
Florida Landowners Urged to Sign-up for ACEP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) reminds landowners the statewide sign-up funding deadlines for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Florida landowners and eligible entities may apply at any time, but to be considered for the FY 2025 IRA funding opportunities, complete and eligible applications must be received by the following National cutoff …
Tracking Agricultural Commodities
In his continuing effort to track agricultural commodities, Mark Oppold looks at where some of them stand as we start the last quarter of 2024. 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 Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, …
Signup Deadline Announced for Alabama’s Financial Assistance Programs
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) announces the initial Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Assistance Programs signup deadline is November 1, 2024. Applicable programs include: CSP helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance, the higher the performance, the higher the payment. EQIP provides …
American Agriculture History Minute: The Beginning of the Grain Elevator
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Conveyor-type grain elevators can be traced back to Buffalo, New York in the early 1840s. Buffalo enjoyed a geographic advantage of being at the intersection of two great water routes, one to the east and New York Harbor, and to the west in the Great Lakes. It wouldn’t be long until …
World Dairy Expo Hi-lights Collegiate Judging Teams
The World Dairy Expo is underway this week in Madison, Wisconsin with various events taking place. And Mark Oppold reports that includes hi-lighting the collegiate judging teams. 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 Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary …
Farmer Sentiment Reaches Lowest Point Since 2016
The September Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reached its lowest readings since March 2016. Declining income expectations pushed farmer sentiment down as the barometer fell to 88, and the Index of Future Expectations dropped 14 points to 94. The Index of Current Conditions also fell seven points to 76, nearly matching levels seen in April 2020, during the height …










