Disaster Relief

USDA Announces Modernization of Loan Systems

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the modernization of their loan and grant systems that support farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Sam Berry, USDA Chief Information officer said, “At the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we are leveraging innovative technology to deliver faster, more secure services in alignment with the Secretary’s vision for a modern and customer-focused USDA. In 2026, …

peanut crop

Ag Estimates for 2026 Peanut Crop

USDA’s Ag Statistics Service has made their first estimate on the peanut crop for this coming year. Production is projected to decline this year with about 6 billion pounds because of lower acreage and average yield. U.S. peanut farmers only intend to sow about 1.7 million acres this coming year as prices have been suppressed with limited demand growth resulting …

agriculture leaders

Agriculture Leaders Release Statements on NWS

After the recent discovery of New World Screwworm in Texas last week, several agriculture leaders have released statements sharing how they are taking action to combat this livestock industry threat. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said “We have been working in close coordination with federal, state and industry partners to prepare for the New world screwworm’s arrival in the …

Deere

How Deere & Mansour Revolutionized Corn Planting in 19th Century America

American agriculture in the mid-1800s was undergoing rapid transformation as farmers searched for better tools to improve productivity and efficiency. One of the greatest challenges of the era was achieving accurate corn planting, a critical factor in maximizing yields and reducing wasted seed. The solution came through an innovative partnership that would leave a lasting mark on agricultural history. Recognizing …

Conservation Innovation Grants

USDA Announces Funding Now Available For Conservation Innovation Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that funding is now available for Conservation Innovation Grants. Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief, Colton Buckley, provides the details on these grants. “We have announced $65 million for this fiscal year, broken up $50 million for on-farm trials for that conservation implementation, and $15 million for CIG Classic,” said Buckley. “CIG on-farm trial …

New World Screwworm

USDA Takes Action Against New World Screwworm

A confirmed detection of New World Screwworm was found recently in Zavala County, Texas. In a post on X, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, said “The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Health officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate NWS from the area.” Secretary Rollins also spoke on the measures currently being implemented to exterminate NWS, …

California Trail

The California Trail and America’s Agricultural Expansion West

The California Trail Helped Shape American Agriculture The California Trail remains one of the most important migration routes in American history and played a major role in the expansion of agriculture across the western United States. During the mid-1800s, thousands of settlers traveled west in search of fertile farmland, economic opportunity, and a new life beyond the Mississippi River. As …

budget

Commissioner Simpson Highlights Wins in the Florida Legislatures Budget

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, emphasized major wins in the Florida Legislature’s 2026/2027 budget. Commissioner Simpson said, ““This year’s budget reflects a historic commitment by Senate President Albritton, House Speaker Perez, and the entire Florida Legislature to support Florida’s farmers — the people who quietly and humbly feed our communities, fuel our economy, and protect our natural resources. Florida …

emergency rule

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Issues Emergency Rule to Protect Against HPAI

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson issued an emergency rule aimed to impose movement restrictions and testing for imported dairy cattle to Florida. This comes as an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. There have been no detections of HPAI in any livestock in Florida. Commissioner Simpson said, “This emergency rule is another proactive step Florida …

base

Explanation of Base Acreage Addition and Allocation and important points landowners and operators should know

Through language in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, an increase in base acreage addition and allocation is set to be underway. Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Richard Fordyce explains how the USDA works to determine additional base acreage for farm safety net programs. “30 million additional base acres will be allocated across the country, and right now, …