Northey on NRCS Chief Returning to the Farm

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia, USDA-NRCS

It was announced recently that Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Matt Lohr, will be stepping down. USDA Farm Production and Conservation Undersecretary, Bill Northey, told Southeast AgNet that Lohr is headed back to the farm. For more information about NRCS programs that can benefit your operation, contact your local USDA Service Center …

Alabama YCLP to Hold Second Session

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cattle

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) continues efforts to cultivate future leaders of the association and industry through the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP). Funded in part by the Alabama State Beef Checkoff, YCLP develops young cattlemen into leaders of the future. According to ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds, this year’s YCLP class will hold its second session later …

Cotton and Peanut Crop Update

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cotton, Florida, Georgia, Peanuts

Both the cotton and peanut crops continue to develop well, as across the nation the cotton crop setting bolls is pretty much on par with the 5-year average. Nearly all of the U.S. peanut crop is now pegging in the upper 90% range. In Alabama, 93% of the crop was setting bolls, which compares to 91% last year. The five-year …

USDA to Measure Small Grain Production

Clint Thompson Alabama, Corn, Florida, Georgia, Wheat

ATHENS, GA – In the upcoming week, growers of small grains around the country will receive survey forms from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2020 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, and rye. “The small grains industry is an important part of …

Peanut Inspectors Preparing for Harvest

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Peanuts

The training process is underway for those inspecting peanuts this year. According to Tyron Spearman, this includes some new aspects due to COVID-19. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025

No Change in Land Values in 2020

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia

The average value of agricultural cropland sits at $4,100 per acre in 2020. That’s unchanged from last year but in line with recent record highs seen in 2019 and 2015. USDA’s 2020 Land Values report says the average value of cropland, including all land and buildings on farms, was $3,160 per acre in 2020. That’s unchanged from 2019’s record high. …

Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 08-14-2020

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cattle, Florida, Georgia, Livestock

Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended August 14, 2020, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report:  At Alabama Livestock Auctions receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 12,600 head compared to 13,268 last week and 11,315 year ago. Compared to one week …

Social Distancing Wiregrass Weed Tour Showcases Continuing Research

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cotton, Peanuts

Dothan, AL, August 14, 2020 -The Wiregrass Research and Extension Center (WREC) in Headland, Alabama hosted its first “social distancing” Wiregrass Weed Tour Thursday, August 13, 2020.  Attendees parked in the field and listened to the presenters by tuning to an FM frequency. Presenters were also videoed, and segments were shared to the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center Facebook page.  …

Caterpillars a Danger to Peanuts

Clint Thompson Alabama, Georgia, Peanuts, Pest/Pest Control

Foliage-feeding caterpillars are the insects peanut growers need to be most concerned with as harvest season approaches, according to Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension peanut entomologist. “The one that comes in every year and will probably eat the most peanuts and infest the most fields is velvetbean caterpillar. We started hearing about velvetbeans in southwest Georgia maybe a month …

July Equipment Sales Numbers Climb High Despite Uncertainty

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia

July was the fourth-consecutive positive month in the U.S. for overall unit sales of agricultural tractors and self-propelled combines. July numbers in Canada were also positive for the second-straight month. The latest information from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says U.S. total farm tractor sales rose 34% in July when compared to July 2019. June’s self-propelled combine sales grew 33.6%. …