AFBF Applauds Introduction of Estate Tax Repeal Bills The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on Congress to remove barriers to farm ownership. Bills aimed at eliminating the estate tax were introduced in the Senate and House. Both are supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and 25cosponsors introduced S. 617 and Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop …
Agriculture Included in New COVID-19 Relief Package
The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, known as “The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” is now official as President Biden signed the bill late last week. We’ve all heard how the package will include $1,400 stimulus checks for qualifying individuals, extends unemployment benefits, and more. But it also increases assistance through USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). And according …
ARC/PLC Enrollment Deadline, Peanut Market Update
Agricultural producers are being reminded if you have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2021, the deadline to do so is Monday, March 15. Tyron Spearman has more details about that, along with this week’s peanut market update. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, …
Disaster Assistance Programs for Citrus
Two disaster assistance programs available to citrus growers were discussed during the virtual 2021 Louisiana State University AgCenter Citrus Symposium. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) are both offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Services Agency (USDA-FSA). Jamie Rodreguez, a USDA-FSA county executive director in Louisiana, made the presentation. Rodreguez said …
Application Deadline Extended for the Quality Loss Adjustment Program
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline from March 5 to April 9 for agricultural producers to apply for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program because of recent winter storms and some clarifications to program rules. This program assists producer who suffered crop quality losses due to qualifying 2018 and 2019 natural disasters. “Because of …
USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Applications Being Accepted in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has announced they are accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets in the state. The application deadline for these grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is May 3, 2021. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits and vegetables, …
Influencers Push OJ Sales
In a recent message to members of the Florida citrus industry, Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Steve Johnson focused on the role of social media influencers in promoting Florida orange juice. Johnson stated that partnerships with influencers on social media and in traditional media comprise what he called “a critical component” of the Florida Department of Citrus’ (FDOC) e-commerce marketing campaign. …
February Ag Economy Barometer Results
February’s Ag Economy Barometer reading of 165 changed little compared to January when the index stood at 167. Announced this week, producers continue to report strong current conditions on their farms as February’s Current Conditions Index value of 200 is near its all-time high. Continuing a trend that got underway last fall, however, the Index of Future Expectations drifted lower …
Program Pays Ranchers in Southwest Florida to Help Panthers
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants ranchers in the Southwest part of the state to know they may be able to get paid for helping the Florida panther. NRCS, through the Conservation Stewardship Program, will provide technical and financial assistance for conservation practices that improve its habitat. The signup deadline, through this Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project, is March 26. The Florida panther lives …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on Tropical Storm Eta Secretarial Disaster Declaration
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture informed Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried it has granted a Secretarial disaster declaration for several key counties impacted by Tropical Storm Eta, rain, flooding, and wind that occurred from Nov. 7 through Nov. 10. The storm was projected to cause at least $85 million in crop losses, especially in seasonal produce. Those counties include Collier, Hendry, Lee, and Miami-Dade …