Thursday, both the Florida House and Senate unanimously passed their versions of a record state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed House budget, at $91.37 billion, is about $1.4 billion less than the Senate’s $92.83 billion spending plan. Both proposals top the $90.98 billion budget for the current fiscal year. According to the News Service of Florida, the proposed …
2020 Farm Income Forecast Looks ‘Average’
U.S. net cash farm income, the total income after expenses, is forecast to decrease $13.1 billion to $109.6 billion in 2020. When adjusted for inflation, the drop is almost 11% compared to the previous year. U.S. net farm income is a broader measure of profitability. It incorporates non-cash items like economic depreciation and gross imputed rental income, and it forecast …
Strong Demand, Leverage Shift Adds Optimism for Year Ahead
Focus on consumers a requirement for continued beef industry success (NCBA) — Beef demand is strong and with U.S. cattle numbers plateauing, prices are likely to be stronger in the year ahead as consumers at home and abroad support industry profitability. That was the message delivered during the popular CattleFax outlook session, held as part of the 2020 Cattle Industry …
Secretary Perdue on President Trump’s State of the Union Address
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address: “Tonight, President Trump’s State of the Union address showcased our country’s relentless optimism and his vision of brighter days that lie ahead. The President has rural America and agriculture close to his heart and has kept his promises …
FSA Encourages Producers to Enroll Soon in ARC and PLC Programs
Producers, Beat the Rush – Call Today to Make an Appointment (USDA/FSA) — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers to enroll now in the Agriculture Risk Loss (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. March 15, 2020 is the enrollment deadline for the 2019 crop year. Although more than 200,000 producers have enrolled to date, FSA anticipates 1.5 …
USDA Reminds Historically Underserved Producers of Advance Payment Option
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind historically underserved producers, who participate in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), of the advance payment option. NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr explains how this program works. (USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds historically underserved producers, who are participating in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), of the advance payment option. …
AEM Reports 2019 Full-year Tractor, Combine Sales
(NAFB) — Farmers bought more tractors last year compared to 2018, but combine sales remained flat. A new report for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) says for 2019, a total of 244,600 tractors were sold, which compares to 236,180 sold through December 2018, representing a four percent increase during the year. In 2019, two-wheel drive smaller tractors, rated under …
American Grown Campaign Launches
Non-Profit Created to Address the growing Financial Crisis in American Farms Launches Campaign The American Grown Campaign launched at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference on January 11. The non-profit was created by growers to address the growing financial crisis in American farms. American Grown was founded with farmers and growers from Florida, Georgia, and Michigan. “America’s farmers need our support …
Producers Reminded to Sign Up for ARC/PLC
With the new year, the deadline is getting closer for producers to enroll in the 2019 Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman that producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA county office to start the enrollment process. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in …
Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer December
(NAFB) — The December Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer suggests farmers are optimistic about the future, despite a weakened perception of current conditions. The survey dropped three points in December to a reading of 150, down from 153 in November. The Index of Current Conditions dropped 12 points to 141, down from 153 in November. Meanwhile, the Index of Future …