USDA Acts on National Security Concerns in Food Supply Chain In a significant development reported by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated 70 foreign contract researchers. The move follows a national security review aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. food supply from foreign adversaries. A USDA spokesperson confirmed the action, …
EPA Restructures to Refocus on Core Mission and Science Priorities The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a major reduction in force (RIF) as part of its broader restructuring strategy, marking a significant shift in the agency’s approach to science, research, and regulatory support. This realignment is projected to save $748.8 million and will primarily affect the Office of Research …
The Founding of America’s Postal System and Its Role in Agriculture In this edition of American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold reflects on how early American infrastructure helped support agricultural expansion across the continent—starting with the postal service. In 1775, Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General by the Continental Congress. Though his term lasted just one year—ending when …
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson praised the $675.9 million block grant agreement as a critical lifeline for the state’s producers, who faced more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons due to Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. “Florida’s producers have endured back-to-back devastating hurricane seasons, and this funding is a major victory that …
Secretary Rollins Confirms Major Disaster Assistance for Florida Agriculture Block Grant Agreement to Address Citrus, Timber, Infrastructure, and Market Losses (USDA/Washington, D.C./July 21, 2025) – In a major move to support hurricane-stricken agricultural producers, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced $675.9 million in disaster assistance for Florida farmers during a visit with state agricultural leaders. The funding will …
Export Market Under Pressure as Farmers Await Rain and Big Harvest U.S. peanut farmers are closely monitoring export trends this season, as they anticipate a potentially large crop—provided timely rainfall arrives across the peanut belt. While domestic production prospects are strong, international demand has shown signs of decline, raising concerns for the industry. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s …
New Food Safety Laboratory Opens with National Strategy to Protect Consumers The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat foodborne illness with the recent opening of its modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory. Announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the plan enhances the Department’s approach to food safety, particularly concerning meat, poultry, and egg products. …
U.S. Meat Export Federation Pushes for Trade Barrier Reforms The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is calling on the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take decisive action to address persistent trade barriers in several African and Caribbean nations that are restricting U.S. red meat exports. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom highlighted key market access challenges, …
Early Transportation Challenges in American Agriculture In the early 1700s, fur traders and trappers faced immense difficulties moving goods through New York’s rugged waterways. They relied on birchbark canoes to travel the rivers and streams of the region. While effective, these vessels were no match for the rapids and waterfalls that dotted the terrain. Canoes had to be unloaded and …
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia for the week ended July 18, 2025, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended- July 18, 2025, receipts at 16 markets totaled 11,190 head compared to 10,454 last week and 11,571 last …
