Frankie “Bubba” Hall Receives 2025 Pat Cockrell Lifetime Achievement Award The Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) has recognized Frankie “Bubba” Hall of Alachua County with the 2025 Pat Cockrell Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the organization’s highest honors. The award was presented during the President’s Awards Banquet at the 84th annual Florida Farm Bureau state meeting at the Daytona Beach …
Pork Industry Marks 40 Years of the Pork Checkoff As October Pork Month comes to a close, the National Pork Board and state pork associations are celebrating a milestone — the 40th anniversary of the Pork Checkoff. For four decades, the program has driven marketing, research, and education efforts to promote U.S. pork and support producers nationwide. Approved by pork …
Before the mid-1800s, American farms depended on horses and oxen to provide the muscle for plowing, hauling, and powering early equipment. These animals were essential to agricultural productivity, but as machinery advanced during the 1850s and 1860s, farmers quickly discovered the limits of their existing livestock. Oxen, while dependable and strong, moved too slowly to handle the increasing demands of …
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson unveiled a preview of the 2026 Florida Farm Bill (SB 290) this week, outlining major initiatives aimed at protecting Florida’s agricultural industry and addressing key challenges faced by farmers and ranchers across the state. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, the legislation focuses on supporting and defending Florida agriculture, safeguarding rural …
NCBA Reaction To Secretary Rollins’ Recently Released Beef Industry Plan With U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins unveiling her new plan to strengthen the American beef industry, the policy has quickly drawn reaction from across the cattle sector. The plan, which focuses on protecting ranching operations, expanding processing capacity, and boosting domestic demand, was welcomed by many in the cattle …
98th National FFA Convention and Expo Kicks Off in Indianapolis The 98th National FFA Convention and Expo officially kicks off today in Indianapolis, Indiana, where FFA members from across the United States are gathering to celebrate agricultural education, leadership, and innovation. Running through November 1, this year’s event will host competitions, award ceremonies, service projects, and career exploration activities, all …
U.S. Dairy Cow Numbers Reach Highest Level Since 1993 While recent agricultural headlines have focused on beef imports from Argentina, the U.S. dairy sector is experiencing a major development of its own — a significant increase in dairy cow numbers and record-breaking milk production. According to the USDA’s August Milk Production Report, there are now 9.52 million dairy cows in …
HPAI Detected in Commercial Poultry Flock in Gordon County, Georgia A detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed last week in a commercial poultry flock in Gordon County, Georgia, according to Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle, Georgia’s State Veterinarian. The flock, consisting of approximately 140,000 broilers, showed signs of elevated mortality, prompting immediate testing and rapid response. “It was reported …
Climate Prediction Center: 70% Chance of La Niña Through January The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) reports a 70% probability of a La Niña weather pattern developing and continuing through December into January. Historically, La Niña has been associated with colder, snowier winters across the northern U.S. and cooler, drier conditions in the southern regions, including parts of the Southwest and …
The Civil War’s Wheat Boom During the Civil War, wheat became one of the most valuable crops in the United States. With soldiers and civilians alike needing bread and other staples, demand soared—and so did prices. Farmers across the Midwest and East quickly responded, planting more wheat than ever before. Fields that once held diverse crops were converted to wheat …
