USDA and Florida Partner on $675.9 Million Block Grant U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently visited Florida to meet with agricultural leaders and producers, where she announced major disaster recovery assistance for the state’s farmers. During her visit, Secretary Rollins signed a Block Grant Agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to provide targeted support …
The Forgotten Role of Roads in Ag History In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights a surprisingly critical piece of infrastructure that helped shape the nation’s farming future—early turnpike roads. While we often think of tractors, irrigation systems, and railroads when discussing agricultural development, the role of rural roads was equally foundational. Turnpikes: A Solution to Isolation In …
From Steel Lugs to Rubber: A Turning Point in Ag Innovation How Florida Growers and Harvey Firestone Changed Farming Forever In the early days of American agriculture, tractors and steam engines rolled on steel lug wheels—a technological advancement for their time, but far from perfect. These rigid wheels caused extreme vibrations, often shook bolts loose, and carved deep holes into …
Senate Moves Forward with $27.1 Billion USDA Funding Package The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations has advanced the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, a bill allocating $27.1 billion in discretionary spending to key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies. According to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the measure is designed to strengthen …
Southeast Peanut Industry Gathers in Florida for Annual Conference Peanut farmers across the southeastern United States are gearing up for one of the industry’s most anticipated events of the year—the 26th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference. Set to take place July 23–25 at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida, the three-day gathering will host around 300 attendees …
USDA to Deliver $675.9 Million in Relief to Hurricane-Affected Producers U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a significant financial aid package to support Florida farmers impacted by recent hurricanes. A total of $675.9 million in disaster relief will be provided through the USDA, targeting losses caused by Hurricanes Idalia, Debbie, Helene, and Milton. Dale Sandlin with Southeast AgNet …
Ground Beef Prices Continue Upward Climb Ground beef prices in the United States surged to new highs in June, reflecting ongoing challenges in the cattle industry and global trade dynamics. According to a report from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, prices are being driven up by a combination of domestic herd contraction and international import restrictions. Dale Sandlin with …
The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) is set to kick off its annual convention tomorrow in Kansas City, drawing more than 1,600 processors from across the country. As the largest trade organization representing both small and large-scale meatpacking professionals, AAMP continues to honor its historic roots while addressing today’s most pressing challenges in food safety and security. Honoring a …
Colonial Communication Before Post Offices In the early 1600s, communication between American colonists and their families back in Britain was a slow and uncertain process. Without an established postal system, letters were entrusted to cargo ships making the transatlantic journey—often taking several months to arrive at their destination. Lacking official postal offices, colonists would leave letters at local inns or …
Youth and Livestock Take Center Stage in Montgomery This week, Montgomery, Alabama is hosting one of the state’s most anticipated agricultural youth events — the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) Roundup. Organized by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA), the event brings together young cattle enthusiasts from across the state for a week full of competition, education, and community. Erin Beasley, …
