USDA Announces Second ECAP Payment for 2024 Crop Year The USDA is issuing a second Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) payment to support eligible producers for the 2024 crop year. This comes as part of the $10 billion authorized to provide financial relief due to rising input costs and falling commodity prices. “USDA is issuing a second Emergency Commodity Assistance …
Department of Labor Announces Major H-2A Program Updates
DOL Announces Rule Change for H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued an interim final rule that updates how adverse effect wage rates (AEWRs) are calculated for H-2A agricultural workers, marking a significant shift in wage policy for farm employers across the country. Under the newly announced rule, the DOL will now use state-level …
Georgia National Fair Kicks off with Grand Opening Ceremony
Georgia National Fair Highlights Agriculture and Livestock Education The Georgia National Fair kicked off last week with a celebration that spotlighted the state’s top youth livestock exhibitors and recognized the winners of last year’s shows. Held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, the event runs from October 2nd to the 12th, featuring a blend of entertainment, agriculture, and education. …
Purina’s Checkerboard Logo: An Agricultural Icon
A Symbol Rooted in Childhood The Ralston Purina checkerboard logo remains one of the most recognizable symbols in American agriculture. Its history stretches back to 1904, when company founder William Danforth drew inspiration from his own childhood. As a boy, Danforth often wore clothing made from checkerboard-patterned cloth. Whether this was a matter of necessity or personal preference is uncertain, …
October Proclaimed as Alabama’s Farm To School Month
October Proclaimed Farm to School Month in Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has officially proclaimed October as Farm to School Month in Alabama, celebrating the meaningful connection between local farmers, students, and schools. The proclamation brings attention to the Alabama Farm to School Program, which continues to grow in both impact and investment. Since October 2020, the program has received $1.595 …
Georgia Block Grant Announcement
USDA Announces $531 Million for Georgia Farm Recovery After Hurricane Helene U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a significant investment in Georgia’s agricultural recovery. Through a congressionally mandated block grant, the USDA will provide more than $531 million in disaster assistance to help Georgia farmers rebuild after Hurricane Helene. “USDA will provide more than $531 million in congressionally …
Commodity Tracking Since First Of The Year
Gold, Platinum, Cattle Among Top Commodity Performers in 2025 As the first nine months of 2025 wrap up, a review of the 48 commodities tracked daily reveals standout winners and surprising laggards in the market. According to the Bottom Line Report, precious metals dominated this year’s commodity performance list, with platinum, silver, and gold leading the way. “Platinum, silver, and …
Hurricane Helene Block Grant Next Steps
Following the announcement of a $531 million block grant to support Georgia farmers and timberland owners affected by Hurricane Helene, the focus now shifts to implementation. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper shared the path forward and what producers can expect next in the disaster recovery process. “USDA, you know, has been rolling out funds that they’re able to through their …
Over 40,000 USDA Employees Furloughed By Shutdown
USDA Shutdown Plan Reveals Over 42,000 Employees Furloughed As part of federal requirements, the White House Office of Management and Budget mandates that the USDA maintain a contingency plan for operations in the event of a government shutdown. That plan has now gone into effect following the shutdown that began Wednesday at 12 a.m., impacting thousands of agency employees and …
Grand Island: From Settlers’ Trail to Husker Harvest Days
Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island Each September, Grand Island, Nebraska, becomes the center of attention in the farming world as it hosts Husker Harvest Days. Known as one of the largest farm shows in the United States, the event draws farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and agricultural innovators from across the country. But the city’s role in agriculture extends far beyond …