USDA Announces Second ECAP Payment for 2024 Crop Year The USDA is issuing a second Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) payment to support eligible producers for the 2024 crop year. This comes as part of the $10 billion authorized to provide financial relief due to rising input costs and falling commodity prices. “USDA is issuing a second Emergency Commodity Assistance …
DOL Announces Rule Change for H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued an interim final rule that updates how adverse effect wage rates (AEWRs) are calculated for H-2A agricultural workers, marking a significant shift in wage policy for farm employers across the country. Under the newly announced rule, the DOL will now use state-level …
Georgia National Fair Highlights Agriculture and Livestock Education The Georgia National Fair kicked off last week with a celebration that spotlighted the state’s top youth livestock exhibitors and recognized the winners of last year’s shows. Held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, the event runs from October 2nd to the 12th, featuring a blend of entertainment, agriculture, and education. …
A Symbol Rooted in Childhood The Ralston Purina checkerboard logo remains one of the most recognizable symbols in American agriculture. Its history stretches back to 1904, when company founder William Danforth drew inspiration from his own childhood. As a boy, Danforth often wore clothing made from checkerboard-patterned cloth. Whether this was a matter of necessity or personal preference is uncertain, …
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia for the week ended October 3, 2025, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended- October 3, 2025, receipts at 16 markets totaled 11,144 head compared to 11,409 last week and 13,059 last …
Florida Forage Research Funded by Cattle Enhancement Board Delivers Nationwide Impact The Florida Cattle Enhancement Board has long invested in research projects to support the state’s cattle industry, but one of the most impactful areas of funding has been forage research. We spoke with Dr. Ann Blount, emeritus professor of forage breeding and genetics with the University of Florida IFAS, …
October Proclaimed Farm to School Month in Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has officially proclaimed October as Farm to School Month in Alabama, celebrating the meaningful connection between local farmers, students, and schools. The proclamation brings attention to the Alabama Farm to School Program, which continues to grow in both impact and investment. Since October 2020, the program has received $1.595 …
USDA Announces $531 Million for Georgia Farm Recovery After Hurricane Helene U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a significant investment in Georgia’s agricultural recovery. Through a congressionally mandated block grant, the USDA will provide more than $531 million in disaster assistance to help Georgia farmers rebuild after Hurricane Helene. “USDA will provide more than $531 million in congressionally …
Gold, Platinum, Cattle Among Top Commodity Performers in 2025 As the first nine months of 2025 wrap up, a review of the 48 commodities tracked daily reveals standout winners and surprising laggards in the market. According to the Bottom Line Report, precious metals dominated this year’s commodity performance list, with platinum, silver, and gold leading the way. “Platinum, silver, and …
Florida Approves Preservation of Over 10,000 Acres of Working Farms and Ranches Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced this week that Florida’s Governor and Cabinet, acting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, have approved the preservation of more than 10,000 acres of working Florida farms and ranches. The preservation initiative is a part of …
