Florida Commissioner

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Announces Winner of 2026 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced Ernie Barnett as this year’s recipient of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership award. Presented annually since 1994, this award highlights “environmentally innovative growers and ranchers who share a commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources while continuing to produce the world-class agricultural goods we rely on.” Commissioner Simpson said, “Ernie Barnett has spent more …

exim

USDA Announces Expanded Partnership with EXIM Bank

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an expanded partnership with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). This partnership is expected to increase domestic ag production and exports, while reducing the ag trade deficit.  In addition to this partnership, USDA also announced the launch of the Financial Assurance to Revitalize Markets Initiative, an effort to strengthen and modernize …

earnings

Major Ag Companies Report Earnings

The corporate earnings calendar continues this week, major agricultural companies reporting. Eli Lilly and Caterpillar reported last week and helped the NASDAQ and S&P 500 end April with the biggest monthly percentage gain since the COVID years of 2020. Today, this includes Pfizer, Corteva, ADM, and AGCO Corporation. Tomorrow’s list includes Nutrien and Elanco Animal Health. Agri-Marketing Ag Stock Index showing year-to-date AGCO stock is up over 8%, Corteva …

Jefferson’s Vision: Agriculture and the American Frontier

A President Rooted in Agriculture Thomas Jefferson firmly believed that agriculture would shape the future of the young United States. For Jefferson, farming was more than an economic activity—it was the foundation of independence, self-sufficiency, and national prosperity. He viewed a nation of farmers as essential to sustaining the country’s newly won freedom and ensuring long-term stability. Agriculture as the …

Farm Dog of the Year

Farm Dog of the Year 2027: Nominations Now Open

Farmers and ranchers across the country have a new opportunity to spotlight their most loyal partners—their farm dogs. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has officially opened nominations for the 2027 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, celebrating the hardworking dogs that play a vital role in American agriculture. Now in its ninth year, the contest is organized …

house

House of Representatives passes Farm Bill 2.0

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567), also known as Farm Bill 2.0, and agricultural groups are reacting to the passage. Agricultural Retailers Association President and CEO Daren Coppock said, “ARA applauds the House for advancing the Farm Bill, which delivers certainty for farmers, strengthens rural economies, and helps …

ncba

NCBA Shares Reaction to Farm Bill Passage and Support for FAIR Labels Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is reacting to the passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as Farm Bill 2.0. Ethan Lane, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for NCBA  said, “Thank you to Chairman GT Thompson, House leadership, and members from both parties for listening to real farmers and ranchers and passing the …

Lewis and Clark

From Barren to Breadbasket: Lewis & Clark’s Agricultural Reality

A Historic Mission Beyond Exploration In this edition of American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold revisits the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark—a mission that extended far beyond simple exploration. Commissioned by Thomas Jefferson, the expedition had a critical agricultural objective: assess the farming potential of lands west of the Mississippi River. At the time, America’s future expansion depended …

Florida Cattle Enhancement Board

Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant Projects

The Florida Cattle Enhancement Board provides opportunities for researchers to develop preliminary data for future grant projects funded by other sources. We recently sat down with Dr. Brad Daigenault with the University of Florida who provided insights on how the enhancement board funding provides an impact for further research studies. “Okay, so how do you make sure that yours gets funded? …

House

House Passes Farm Bill 2.0

From Washington, good news. The House of Representatives have passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The final vote this week, 224 in favor, 200 against. The statement from the Chairman of the Committee said, Working in Congress on behalf of our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities is an honor, even when we have to debate the Farm Bill through …