According to new data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), September exports of U.S. pork were down slightly from a year ago but did maintain a robust pace. On the other hand, beef exports continued to struggle compared to last year’s record totals but showed increasing strength in the Western Hemisphere markets. Pork exports totaled 221,140 metric …
Dairy Industry to Meet in Orlando
The joint annual meeting of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and its checkoff group partners, National Milk and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), will be held Nov. 12-15 in Orlando, Florida. More than 750 participants will get updates on the breadth and depth of activities that are being conducted, ranging from marketing and promotion to policy and analysis. Guest speakers …
Ranking Date for RCPP Projects in Georgia is November 17
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) reminds producers in the state that the ranking date for the conservation easement portions of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is November 17, 2023. Interested producers must apply by that date for their application to be included in this batch of program funding. Georgia State Conservationist, Terrance O. Rudolph said, “RCPP is helping NRCS reach …
Florida Agricultural Landowners Reminded to Apply for EQIP, CSP & RCCP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) wants to remind agricultural landowners in the state that they are still accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), climate-smart practices through EQIP and CSP funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). While NRCS accepts applications year-round, Florida producers and landowners need to apply by November 17, …
USDA Streamlines Regional Conservation Partnership Program in Alabama
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced improvements to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) as well as an unprecedented $1 billion investment to advance partner-driven solutions to conservation on agricultural land through 81 projects. Partnership to Advance Climate-Resilient Longleaf Restoration and Conservation on Private Lands in Alabama and Georgia will receive $25,000,000 in funding over the next five years. RCPP leverages …
Farmer Sentiment Rises in Latest Ag Economy Barometer
The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose four points in October to 110. The modest improvement in farmer sentiment resulted from farmers’ improved perspective on current conditions on their farms as well as their expectations for the future. The Index of Current Conditions rose three points to 101, while the Index of Future Expectations rose five points to 114. …
Hurricane Idalia Disaster Declaration Expanded in Georgia
(GDAC/Atlanta, GA/Nov. 8, 2023) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA) Tom Vilsack has issued a disaster declaration for 27 Georgia counties due to damage and losses caused by Hurricane Idalia on August 30, 2023. This declaration allows farmers, producers, and other eligible agricultural operations to apply for emergency disaster relief through the Farm Service Agency. “Hurricane Idalia caused significant …
Ag Commissioner Applauds Florida Legislature for Prioritizing Hurricane Idalia Recovery Efforts for Agriculture
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Nov. 8, 2023) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the efforts of the Florida Legislature following the conclusion of a special session that prioritized Hurricane Idalia recovery relief for Florida’s agriculture industry: “Florida’s agriculture industry sustained widespread damage from Hurricane Idalia, with an estimated loss of over $447 million in crops, livestock, and infrastructure. Our state’s farmers, …
Lawmakers Discuss Farm Bill Extension
As the House is getting back to work after selecting a new speaker, there are growing calls for an extension for the farm bill. Ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, David Scott (D-GA), called on fellow representatives to extend the 2018 Farm Bill by one year. “We stand united against any efforts to take food away from children’s families …
Florida Ag Expo is Thursday
Thursday, November 9th, is show day for the Florida Ag Expo at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, FL. It all starts at 7:30 a.m. where you can enjoy a hot breakfast in the tailgate hub before the general session at 9:00 a.m. After the session, you will be able to mingle with exhibitors and growers, taste some delicious …