Rural Mainstreet Index

Rural Mainstreet Index Plunges to New Low Amid Economic Uncertainty

Dan Agri-Business, Economy

The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) continued its downward trend in February, marking the 17th decline in the past 18 months. The index, which measures the economic health of rural communities across a ten-state region dependent on agriculture and energy, fell to 38.0, down from 42.3 in January. A reading below 50 indicates economic contraction. Economic uncertainty remains a key concern, …

disaster assistance

Congressional Leaders on Importance of Disaster Relief

Dan Agri-Business, Funding

We told you last week that Congressional leaders sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins hoping the Agriculture Department will get disaster relief out to farmers soon. Tyron Spearman has more information about that letter and the importance of this relief. During the recent Ag Outlook Forum, Secretary Rollins told those in attendance that the U.S. farm economy is dire, and she …

Florida Legislative Session

Florida Legislative Session Starts Tuesday

Dan Agri-Business, Florida Cattlemen's Association (FCA), Legislative

The 2025 Florida Legislative Session kicks off Tuesday, March 4th in Tallahassee, and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) is ready for the annual event. FCA Director of Governmental Affairs Sam Ard explains what all is coming up, including the FCA Legislative Quarterly meetings. The annual FCA Legislative Quarterly meetings will be held March 11-12 in Tallahassee. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly …

trade mission

USDA to Lead March Trade Mission to Guatemala

Dan Agri-Business, Exports/Imports, Trade

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead a trade mission to Guatemala from March 3-7, aiming to strengthen trade partnerships and expand U.S. agricultural exports throughout Central America. The delegation will include representatives from more than two dozen agribusinesses, trade organizations, and two state departments of agriculture. “Expanding export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses remains a top …

public comment period

Senators Demand Answers from USDA Over Mass Layoffs

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Legislative

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, is leading all committee Democrats in demanding transparency from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding its recent widespread layoffs. The Senators have requested detailed data on the number of terminated employees, broken down by state, agency, job position, and veteran status—information the administration has yet …

usda

USDA to Invest One Billion Dollars to Fight Bird Flu

Dan Agri-Business, Avian Influenza, Funding, Livestock, Poultry

The New USDA Secretary has announced a $1 billion comprehensive strategy to fight highly pathogenic avian influenza, protect the U.S. poultry industry, and lower egg prices. Rusty Halvorson has more details. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024

egg prices

USDA Invests Up To $1 Billion to Combat Avian Flu and Reduce Egg Prices

Dan Agri-Business, Avian Influenza, Economy, Eggs, Funding, Poultry, USDA

Secretary Rollins rolls out a robust strategy to deliver affordable eggs (USDA/Washington, D.C./Feb. 26, 2025) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a $1 billion-dollar comprehensive strategy to curb highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), protect the U.S. poultry industry, and lower egg prices. This is in addition to funding already being provided to indemnify growers for depopulated flocks. As …

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Installs New President

Dan Agri-Business, Alabama, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA), Cattle

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) installed Keith Glover as the new President at the 2025 ACA Convention in Birmingham Alabama. President Glover spoke with Southeast AgNet’s Dale Sandlin and highlighted what he was looking forward to the most in the upcoming year. President Glover also reflected on how he first became a member of ACA and why it was important …