lame duck session

US Agriculture Secretary Questioned on Hurricane Helene Relief

Dale Sandlin Hurricane

The United States Senate Committee on Appropriations held a hearing earlier this week to review the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the US Department of Agriculture. During the hearing, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins answered questions from the Senators and in his questioning, Senator Jon Ossoff pointedly asked Secretary Rollins about the status of disaster relief funding in …

crops

USDA Meteorologist Provides Update on Drought Coverage Acres

Dale Sandlin Drought

As ag producers are getting into the field, proper soil moisture is a key factor in their planting decisions. With the recent rains across the country, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey provides an update on the amount of acres in drought and the impacts on certain agricultural commodities. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, …

Georgia Beef Board

Georgia Beef Board Highlights Dairy Cattle’s Role in the Beef Checkoff

Dale Sandlin Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Georgia Beef Board (GBB)

The Georgia Beef Board is highlighting dairy cattle’s role in the beef checkoff and we spoke with Joel Keith, a dairy farmer who serves on the Georgia Beef Board about the impact that dairy cows have on the checkoff program. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research …

Alabama Cattlemen’s Applauds Selection of New FSA Director

Dale Sandlin Alabama, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA), Beef, Cattle

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is applauding the Trump Administration’s selection of Monica Carroll as the new Alabama Farm Service Agency Director. We spoke with Erin Beasley from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association to get her take on the selection. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the …

Florida Beef Council Hosts Youth Culinary Event

Dale Sandlin Beef, Cattle, Florida Beef Council (FBC)

The Florida Beef Council held a two-day youth culinary deep dive into the beef industry with Melbourne High School’s culinary program and we caught up with Deanne Maples with the Florida Beef Council for a recap of their activities. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in …

Asian Longhorn Tick Monitoring Continues

Dale Sandlin Cattle, Livestock, Pest/Pest Control, USDA-APHIS

As the weather continues to warm up, USDA is highlighting their continuing work on the Asian Longhorn Tick. Denise Bonilla of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service shares the details on this important work for livestock producers. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the …

administrator

USDA Announces State FSA Director Appointments

Dale Sandlin USDA-FSA

The US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the slate of presidential appointments for the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development State Director positions. These appointees will work to plan, organize and administer the FSA programs in each state. Notably in the Southeast, Monica Carroll appointed as State Executive Director, Alabama Farm Service Agency; Marcinda Kester appointed as the …

GCA Upcoming Roundup to Focus on Forages

Dale Sandlin Beef, Cattle, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (GCA)

The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association will be holding a Roundup event focusing on forages this week in Moultrie. We caught up with Dr. Lisa Baxter with the University of Georgia who provided a preview of the educational portion of the event. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research …

ANCW Elects New Slate of Officers For 2025-2026

Dale Sandlin Cattle

The American National Cattlewomen have announced their new slate of officers for 2025-2026. Nikki Weston will serve as President, Casey Matzke as President Elect and Debbie Chute as Vice President. Weston, of Randolph, Utah grew up in the urban area of Utah’s Wasatch front and after marrying her high school sweetheart she embraced the agricultural lifestyle. Weston raised her family …

disaster areas

Corn and Bean Planting Update and a Look at Drought Conditions

Dale Sandlin Drought, Environment

Drought conditions are easing for producers to plant both corn and soybeans across the country. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey provided an update on the changes in drought status and how that’s affecting planting these two crops. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary …