Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that agricultural industry in Florida has sustained more than $3 Billion in total estimated damages due to recent freezes. Commissioner Simpson said, “Our preliminary estimate of over $3 billion in agricultural losses makes clear what we already knew: This was one of the most damaging freeze events for Florida agriculture in history. …
Georgia General Assembly Working Through Annual Budgets
The Georgia General Assembly continues it’s work in Atlanta and we caught up with Will Bentley with the Georgia Agribusiness Council to get an update on their progress through the session. Bentley said, “We continue to focus on passing the amended budget right now. The Senate just voted to pass their version of FY26 amended budget, looking at the changes that have …
USDA Announces Purchase Of Dairy And Ag Products For Food Banks
US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that USDA will be purchasing up to $263 million in dairy and ag products to distribute to nutrition assistance programs and food banks nationwide through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935. According to the department, the purchase is expected to assist both producers and communities in need. Secretary Rollins said, “From …
US Secretary of Agriculture Announces Start Date For Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program will open today. The Farm Service Agency will be administering the $11 Billion one-time bridge payments for row crop producers. Secretary Rollins posted on X saying, “Starting Monday, February 23, applications open EARLY for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program — unleashing $11 BILLION in targeted, fast help …
Monsanto Proposes Nationwide Class Settlement to Resolve Roundup Claims
Monsanto has announced a nationwide proposed class settlement to resolve Roundup claims alleging non-Hodgkin lymphoma injuries. The proposed settlement is the second since their initial proposed settlement in 2020 and would include the element of a long-term compensation program providing funding for up to 21 years addressing both current and future claimants. According to Bayer, “the long-term payment stream will provide the company with …
Lean Hog Futures Rebound as Smithfield Plans $1.3B South Dakota Plant
Lean hog futures faced sustained pressure last week, closing lower every trading day in a holiday-shortened stretch. This week has delivered a recovery, but market signals suggest the rebound is not yet fully convincing. Here’s a complete breakdown of the latest hog market activity, fund positioning, cash index strength, and major pork industry expansion news shaping the outlook. Lean Hog …
Missouri’s Early Agricultural Roots: River Commerce and Opportunity
Missouri’s agricultural story runs deep, tracing back to the late 1700s and early 1800s when fertile land and river access laid the groundwork for a thriving farm economy. In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights how geography, migration, and commerce shaped Missouri’s early agricultural identity. Agriculture in Late 18th and Early 19th Century Missouri During …
USDA and DoW Sign MOU Regarding National Farm Security Action Plan
USDA and Department of War Sign MOU Advancing National Farm Security Action Plan U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing their departments to collaborate on implementing the National Farm Security Action Plan. The agreement marks a significant step in elevating American agriculture as a central component of …
Jobs Report Good News Bad News
Strong Jobs Report Dampens Rate Cut Hopes Ahead of Three-Day Weekend “Good news is bad news” has been the theme on Wall Street late this week as investors digest strong economic data while recalibrating expectations for Federal Reserve policy. An impressive jobs report released Wednesday initially appeared positive for the broader economy. Solid employment growth typically signals economic strength and …
Live Cattle and Hog Market Watch
Live Cattle and Lean Hog Futures Face Pressure Near Recent Highs As the week comes to a close, traders are closely watching live cattle futures and lean hog futures, with signs that buyers may be losing momentum after pushing prices to recent highs. Live Cattle Futures React to Argentina Trade Deal In the live cattle market, attention is turning to …










