Speaker Johnson a “Real Win for Cattle Producers”

Dan Agri-Business, Cattle, Legislative

The nation has a new Speaker of the House, and he’s someone already trusted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). NCBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane said though Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has not served on the Agriculture Committee, he has a strong voting record when it comes to agriculture. “He has been a pretty reliable …

Farm Bill Extension Expected

Dan Agri-Business, Farm Bill, Legislative

As the House continues its search for a new speaker, some members of the Senate are watching and waiting for the legislative work to continue, especially when it comes to the Farm Bill. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said he believes it continues to get more unlikely that a farm bill will be completed this year.   “The dysfunction …

Rural Cooperative Month

Dan Agri-Business, This Land of Ours

October is Rural Cooperative Month, but what are rural cooperatives? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. October is Rural Cooperative Month and a part of USDA Rural Development focuses on business cooperatives and their vital role in rural economies.  Rural Business Cooperative Service Administrator Karama Neal provides various examples of rural business cooperatives and how they serve customers …

Big Four Packers Hit with Another Lawsuit

Dan Agri-Business, Commodities, Economy

The four largest meatpackers were hit by a new price-fixing lawsuit from a group of small food distributors. The suit was filed on October 9 in the U.S. District Court in Northern Illinois, accusing the Packers of fixing prices for years. The plaintiffs say the price-fixing dates back to at least January 1, 2015, and includes Cargill, JBS, Tyson Foods, …

Feds Feed Families Program Milestone

Dan Agri-Business, Commodities, Economy, Funding, This Land of Ours

The Feds Feed Families Program reaches a food donation milestone. Gary Crawford has that coming up in today’s This Land of Ours report. “I wanted to come down from my office today, first of all, to thank everybody who’s participating in the campaign for a job well done,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The campaign is the Feds Feed Families …

Battle over Tomato Suspension Agreement

Dan Agri-Business, Fruits, Regulation, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Should the U.S. terminate the Tomato Suspension Agreement with Mexico? The agreement is intended to keep Mexico from flooding the U.S. market with underpriced tomatoes by suspending duties, however, some industry leaders say it’s not working, and the agreement needs to be terminated so Mexico can be held accountable. Others worry that terminating the agreement and making Mexico pay duties …

Florida Ag Commissioner Seeks Funding for Conservation Program

Dan Agri-Business, Conservation, Environment, Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Oct. 17, 2023) — Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is seeking $300 million for a program designed to keep swaths of rural land from commercial and residential development, triple the amount vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this year. Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Protection is asking lawmakers for a slight increase next year in funding for the separate Florida Forever …

Florida Beef Council Attends Conference in Denver

Dan Agri-Business, Beef, Cattle, Florida, Florida Beef Council (FBC), Marketing

Last week, the Florida Beef Council (FBC) participated in the Partnership in Action Conference. FBC Director of Beef Marketing and Promotion, DeAnne Maples, says this is where they get updates on the latest Beef Checkoff promotions and marketing ideas. For more information on Beef Checkoff activities in Florida, contact the FBC office in Kissimmee. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata …

Higher Interest Rates, Strong Dollar Affecting Rural Economies

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Exports/Imports, Field Crops, Forestry

CoBank says the combination of high interest rates and a strong U.S. dollar is beginning to take a disproportionate toll on rural industries like agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing. Most international transactions are still conducted in dollars, and a strong dollar makes U.S. exports more expensive and imports cheaper. CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange says that disproportionately hurts the backbone of the rural …