The latest USDA Cattle on Feed Report shows the number of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head was 11.6 million head on April 1, 2023. That is 4 percent below April 1st last year. Rod Bain has a story looking at what is behind the lower number of …
Smithfield Foods Wins Environmental and Safety Awards
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) recently held its 2022 environmental awards and worker safety recognition programs. Smithfield Foods won awards for its environmental and safety achievements. “Protecting the environment, including decreasing our carbon footprint, implementing water conservation strategies, and reducing packaging have all been Smithfield priorities for decades,” says Stewart Leeth, chief sustainability officer for Smithfield. “These priorities are …
Florida Lawmakers Working to Finalize the Budget
Florida lawmakers will be working this week to finalize the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to end next week. Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, explains what should happen this week, and also provides an update on what is known as the Tax Exempt Ag Materials, or TEAM card. The new fiscal …
Around the State with Commissioner Pate
In this week’s “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, we are talking about the fact it’s the time of the year when many farmers are preparing to apply fertilizer on warm season forages. Commissioner, I understand you wanted to share with our listeners about how the department assures the quality of the fertilizer they are purchasing. That’s …
U.S. Dairy Leading on Climate Coalition
U.S. dairy takes the lead in a climate coalition. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) have signed a set of principles and a new partnership with National Agricultural Organizations from several other countries. The goal is to constructively engage governments and international organizations around the …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 04-21-2021
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended April 21, 2021, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended-April 21, 2023, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 11,700 head compared to 8,693 last week and 8,159 …
Alabama Peanut Referendum Continues with Strong Approval
Alabama peanut farmers voted to continue the current assessment on peanuts that is collected by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) and administered by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA). In a referendum conducted on April 20, 2023, ninety-one percent of those who voted said “yes” to continuing APPA’s programs in education, promotion, and research. For the continuance referendum to …
Be Sure Campaign Marks Fifth Anniversary
There’s a campaign to help growers “be sure” about their stewardship. The Be Sure campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition is marking its fifth anniversary. Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. The joint effort is led by Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Valent U.S.A. LLC , BASF Agricultural Solutions and Mitsui Chemicals Agro, …
Grant Awarded for Peanut Research
A grant was recently awarded for peanut research projects. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026
New Grant Programs for Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of up to $125 million through two new grant programs. They will create more options for meat and poultry farmers by investing in independent, local meat and poultry processing projects that increase competition and enhance the resiliency of the food supply chain. As Rod Bain reports, applications for the programs …