Cotton Acreage

USDA Releases 2026 Cotton Acreage Estimates

Cotton acreage is on the rise across much of the Southeast this year, according to USDA’s latest Acreage Report. Growers in Georgia, Alabama and Florida all expanded planted acres over last season, reflecting continued optimism despite ongoing market and weather challenges. The new numbers come from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Becky Sommer, Chair of the USDA NASS Agricultural …

Farmer Bridge Assistance

Trump Asks Congress for Additional $11 Billion in Farm Aid

President Donald Trump is asking Congress to approve more than $11 billion in additional agricultural assistance, including $10 billion in economic aid for producers across the country and another $1.1 billion specifically for Florida farmers recovering from devastating winter storms and freezes. The request is part of a larger supplemental funding package now before Congress. Florida Farm Bureau Federation President …

Bayer

Supreme Court Sides With Bayer in Landmark Roundup Labeling Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has handed Bayer-owned Monsanto a major legal victory in a decision that could reshape future pesticide litigation in the United States. In a 7-2 ruling, the Court found that federal law prevents states from allowing failure-to-warn lawsuits against pesticide manufacturers when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a product’s label without requiring additional warnings. …

summer business meeting

Cattle Industry Largely Supports Big Beautiful Bill Tax Provisions

As the Big Beautiful Bill advances in the U.S. Senate, cattle producers are keeping a close watch. NCBA President Buck Wehrbein shared his optimism, especially regarding estate tax reform—a top priority for the industry. Senator John Thune has emerged as a strong ally, championing efforts to preserve the stepped-up basis and oppose the death tax. Wehrbein emphasized that while no …

fair

Senate Tax Bill Maintains Key Provisions for Livestock Producers

The Senate version of the “Big Beautiful Bill” tax package brings mostly positive news for livestock producers. Kent Bacus, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs, explained that many provisions from the House version have carried over—most notably, the increase in the estate tax exemption to $15 million per individual ($30 million per couple), adjusted for inflation and made permanent. Other …

eradication

New World Screwworm Spread Slows Amid USDA, NCBA Response

U.S. officials are reporting positive developments in the fight against the New World Screw Worm. Once spotted 700 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, the pest’s northward advance appears to be slowing, thanks in part to intensive surveillance and targeted interventions. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins recently ordered the border closed to cattle originating from Mexico to prevent the parasite’s spread. Ethan …

rollins

NCBA Reacts to USDA Plans for Screwworm Sterile Fly Facility

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the development of a sterile fly production facility to combat the New World Screw Worm, a significant threat to livestock. Located at Moore Airfield in Texas, the project will enhance domestic production and support operations in Panama. Ethan Lane, Senior VP of Government Affairs at the NCBA, joined USDA officials on-site and praised …

base acre

USDA FSA County Committee Nominations Now Open

The USDA FSA has opened the nomination period for its 2025 County Committee elections. With more than 2,200 committees nationwide, these local governing bodies play a critical role in how federal programs are implemented at the local level. FSA Director Bill Beam highlights that nearly 7,700 producers serve on FSA committees, each comprised of 3 to 11 elected members who …

wildfires

Wildland Firefighters Prepared as Peak Fire Season Begins

As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of wildfires across the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking decisive action in anticipation of an above-normal fire season, with nearly 96% of the Forest Service’s 11,300 firefighter hiring target already met and full staffing expected by mid-July. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized that America now …

Protecting Peanuts: Managing Fungicide Resistance with Smart Strategies

Peanut growers pour their energy into every growing season, aiming for healthy crops and high yields. But as challenges like white mold and leaf spot persist, experts are urging producers to be proactive—especially when it comes to fungicide resistance. We spoke with Abraham Fulmer of BASF, who emphasized the importance of diversifying fungicide programs and staying ahead of resistance. “Fungicide …