The markets are closed today in observance of Juneteenth, so Mark Oppold is taking some time to recognize National Pollinator Week.
Africanized Honeybees Found in Alabama
According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI), the presence of Africanized Honeybees (AHB) has been confirmed in Jackson and St. Clair Counties. Both finds were feral swarms collected by local beekeepers and have been euthanized to protect Alabama’s honeybees. ADAI is taking swift action to mitigate any risks associated with these invasive bees, by setting up traps within a …
USDA in Georgia Hosting FSA Webinar
The USDA Farm Service Agency in Georgia (FSA-GA) invites agricultural producers and stakeholders in the state to attend an informational webinar on County Committee nominations and elections. FSA-GA State Executive Director Arthur Tripp and staff will provide an overview and take questions regarding the FSA’s upcoming County Committee nominations and election cycle. The virtual meeting, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 1:00 …
Judge Blocks Disaster Program Special Funding to Minority Farmers
A Texas federal judge has temporarily blocked a USDA disaster relief program from giving preferential funding to women and minority farmers. The judge sided with a group of plaintiffs who claimed the program illegally discriminates against white male farmers. The judge’s order ruled the program likely violated the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights to equal protection under the law. Agriculture Dive says …
Year-End Farm Bill Last Hope for 118th Congress?
A year-end farm bill seems to be the last best hope for producers before lawmakers have to face the reality they’ll have to punt the effort into a new year and a new Congress. Both parties have put their farm bill cards on the table, and House Ag advanced its bill, but no further action is scheduled yet on either …
Simpson Applauds Funding for Critical Investments in Florida Agriculture
On Wednesday, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for the 2024-2025 state budget. “I applaud Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for making critical investments in the 2024-2025 state budget to safeguard and advance Florida agriculture, preserve our working lands and natural resources, and enhance our consumer protection efforts,” said Commissioner …
Mexico’s Leadership Change Could Bring Trade Changes
Mexico’s election last week means a change in leadership for the nation and possible changes in trade with the United States. Claudia Sheinbaum won the election and will take over current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador later this year. Jacqui Fatka, the lead economist for farm supply and biofuels in CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange research division, says it could have an …
Tribal Ag Trade Mission a First
It’s the first USDA trade mission of its kind. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA conducts its inaugural agricultural trade mission centered on expanding global market access for tribal farm and food producers later this month. Rod Bain has more. Listen to Rod Bain’s This Land Of Ours program here. USDA Embarks on First-ever Trade Mission Focused on …
Mexico’s New President Vows Commitment to USMCA
Mexico’s new president vows commitment to the USMCA. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Mexico has a new president, and that could have implications for U.S. farm trade with our number one foreign market. Claudia Sheinbaum became the first woman and first Jewish person elected president of predominantly Catholic and patriarchal Mexico. But American Farm Bureau senior director …
Make Ag Safety a Priority
Making ag safety a priority. That’s coming up on This land of Ours. Accidents will happen, and taking the extra time to plan safety precautions can save lives. The agriculture industry is filled with risk, injury, and danger at about every turn. Cultivating Caution is a monthly webinar series exploring the latest research, recommendations, and tips for staying safe and …