The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer tumbled significantly in May, dropping 20 points to an index reading of 158. It marks the lowest point for the survey since September of 2020. Producers were less optimistic about both the current conditions and the future of the agricultural economy. The potential for changing tax rules and rising input costs appeared to …
Regional Farm Credit Conditions Improving
Further strengthening of the U.S. Ag economy bolstered farm credit conditions in the first quarter of 2021. A Federal Reserve survey of agriculture credit conditions shows farm loan repayment rates continue to improve rapidly. After many years of growing financial stress and weakness in the Ag economy, bankers reported that farm income was higher than a year ago for the …
Stabenow Urges USDA to Implement Food and Ag Supply Chain Provisions
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow is urging the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement American Rescue Plan provisions to protect food and farm workers. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Stabenow states the American Rescue Plan “included resources so that the people who power our food and ag supply chain are protected and have the resources they …
AEM Offers Insights on High Machinery Sales
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) says there are several factors driving the current machinery sales trends. In the first quarter of 2021, total farm tractor unit sales are up more than 50 percent in the U.S., and nearly 60 percent in Canada. AEM’s Curt Blades says, “We’re operating in a very interesting market right now.” Over the last 12 …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Joins USDA Event on American Rescue Plan Debt Relief for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Monica Rainge, U.S. Representative Al Lawson, Jr. (FL-5), and others to highlight historic American Rescue Plan provisions that provide $4 billion in debt relief to socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and growers. They were joined at the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Research and Extension Center in Quincy, Florida by FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., …
National Cotton Council Working to Protect Current Tax Policy
The National Cotton Council (NCC) recently joined 40 other agriculture organizations on a letter to House and Senate leadership to express significant concerns about legislative proposals that would jeopardize the future of family-owned farm and ranch businesses. NCC Vice President of Washington Operations, Reece Langley, explains how the Council is working to protect current tax policy for farmers and others in agriculture. …
Demand for Peanuts Should Tighten Market
A new crop estimate by USDA indicates the demand for peanuts should tighten the market. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In …
Biden Administration Asked to Utilize USMCA Enforcement Measures
A bipartisan group of Representatives sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding dairy and the U.S-Mexico-Canada Agreement. They’re asking the administration to move ahead with enforcement measures negotiated in the USMCA to support U.S. dairy farmers. A key part of the USMCA agreement was the promise of new export opportunities for America’s …
USDA Announces Plan for Black Farmer Payments
The USDA says it plans to make debt relief available to Black farmers. The announcement came one day before Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack participated in a roundtable discussion with Black farmers in Georgia. A spokesman says Vilsack will be traveling to other states to discuss the plan in the weeks ahead. Late last week, the Farm Service Agency published the …
Over $2.3 Million Invested in Small Business Innovation Research
Small businesses play a vital role in driving innovation and technology advancements, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is investing over $2.3 million in such projects through its Small Business Innovation Research program. As the program aims to encourage participation by women-owned and socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses, it can greatly benefit …