(NAFB) — The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 27 points to a reading of 183 in October, setting an all-time high for the index. Farmers were more optimistic about both the future and current financial situations on their farms. The Current Conditions Index rose 36 points to a reading of 178, and the Future Expectations Index climbed 23 …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Urges Okaloosa and Walton County Producers Affected by Hurricane Sally to Apply for USDA Disaster Assistance
(FDACS) — Following Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried’s call for a Secretarial disaster designation for Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Sally, on Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated Okaloosa and Walton counties as primary and Bay, Holmes, Santa Rosa, and Washington counties as secondary disaster areas. Producers in these counties are now eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) disaster loans in addition to producers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who …
Two Alabama Counties Designated Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available (USDA/FSA) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated two Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Baldwin and Mobile counties who suffered losses caused by excessive wind, flash flooding and excessive rainfall caused by Hurricane Sally that occurred from Sept. 15 through Sept. 16, 2020, may be eligible for …
Secretary Perdue Comments on DOL’s H2A Wage Rule
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue praised the Department of Labor’s (DOL) new H2A Wage Rule, which delivers on President Trump’s promise to stabilize farm labor costs and reform the H-2A wage rate. “This rule shows once again President Trump’s commitment to America’s farmers by delivering lower costs when they need it the most,” said Secretary Perdue. “Over the …
Department of Labor Stabilizes Farmworker Pay
(AFBF) — The Department of Labor announced it will stabilize the wages paid to guest farmworkers. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will remain at 2020 rates for the next two years. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall: “Farmers are committed to paying their employees a fair wage, but the existing system sets …
Report Says U.S. Ag. Sales to China up Considerably
The U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture have issued a report outlining the progress under the Phase One Trade Agreement with China. Gary Crawford has the story. 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 …
USDA Reminds Producers of Disaster Assistance Application Deadline
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds producers that the deadline to submit applications for disaster recovery assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) for 2018 and 2019 losses is Friday, October 30. Richard Fordyce, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman sign up for this program has been going on for over a …
Stabenow Leads Opposition against USDA Decision on Dairy Aid
(NAFB) — Senate Ag Committee Member Debbie Stabenow is leading a group of 15 senators asking Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue to reverse a decision that excluded dairy farmers from getting coronavirus aid for losses from meat produced from breeding animals. The Hagstrom Report says the senators point out that losses from meat produced from breeding animals were included in the …
Fewer Loans Issued to Farmers Limits Overall Lending Activity
The Kansas City Federal Reserve says a slower pace of farm financing activity continued in the third quarter of 2020. The total volume of non-real estate farm loans remained subdued amid ongoing weakness in the ag sector, thanks in part to developments regarding COVID-19. The National Survey of Terms of Lending to Farmers, confirmed by statistical research from same day …
Tighter Stocks Mean Higher Expected Prices for Major Crops
The latest reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicate that tighter than expected stocks of most major crops are leading to higher expected prices. Stephanie Ho has the story. 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 …