Florida lawmakers passed a record $112.1-billion budget Monday to end a legislative session dominated by fierce debates about issues such as education, abortion and immigration. The election-year spending plan was pumped up by federal stimulus money and higher-than-expected state tax collections. It funnels money to many issues, including higher funding for public schools and pay raises for state employees. The …
Peanut Antitrust Litigation Update
Peanut growers may have received an email or letter in the mail regarding an antitrust litigation notice. According to a story from Tyron Spearman, those who previously filed a claim in 2021 must submit a W-9 by March 31, 2022 in order to receive funds. Click here to read more about the full notice regarding the proposed settlement. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida …
Secretary Vilsack Urges Caution in Statements About Ukraine
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined other G7 agriculture ministers Friday morning in a virtual meeting with Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Roman Leshchenko. Following that virtual meeting, Vilsack took the stage at Commodity Classic in New Orleans to give the keynote address, then met with a small group of agriculture journalists, where he shared more of what was discussed in that virtual …
$250 Million Investment to Support Innovative American-made Fertilizer
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing it will support additional fertilizer production for American farmers to address rising costs, including the impact of Putin’s price hike on farmers, and spur competition. USDA will make available $250 million through a new grant program this summer to support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer production to supply American farmers. Additionally, …
Florida Senate Confirms DEP Secretary
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Shawn Hamilton was unanimously confirmed today by the Senate, less than a day after a law was enacted that gave Gov. Ron DeSantis more say in the appointment process. According to the News Service of Florida, Hamilton’s confirmation was held up for two days as the Senate waited for the House to approve the …
Peanut Marketing Issues Being Discussed
There are discussions taking place about the 2022 peanut crop, as various factors are affecting marketing of the crop. Tyron Spearman reports some shellers have even withdrawn from the market at this time. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida …
Florida Lawmakers Give DeSantis More Appointment Power
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his successors will have more power over some high-level state appointments under a bill headed to his desk. Without debate, the Florida House on Wednesday voted 77-34, mostly along party lines, to approve a measure (SB 1658) that would increase the governor’s power to appoint the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, the commissioner of …
ARC/PLC Signup Ends March 15
Agricultural producers who have yet to enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2022 crop year, are being reminded Tuesday, March 15, 2022 is the deadline to sign a contract. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these two safety net programs to provide income support to farmers experiencing substantial declines in …
Peanut Industry Will be Affected by Russia Invasion of Ukraine
We are hearing more and more reports of how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is affecting various aspects of the grain and energy sectors and is starting to be felt by U.S. growers and consumers. Tyron Spearman reports shipments of peanuts from certain countries will also be affected. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, …
Cotton Crop Hangs in the Balance Amid Many Uncertainties
According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), cotton is the top crop grown in Alabama, but due to global political instability and production disruptions, profits for this year’s crop hangs in the balance. Alabama Extension Cotton Agronomist Steve Brown says farmers will need to think carefully about each and everything they do with each crop they plant. Of course when it comes down …