The Ag Economy Barometer dropped again in May. The barometer reading of 101 was 14 points lower than a month earlier and was the lowest barometer reading since October 2016. For the second month in a row, the decline in farmer sentiment was attributable to big declines in both the Index of Current Conditions, which fell from 99 in April …
Disaster-Relief Aid Finally Passes in the House
The U.S. House finally followed the Senate’s lead and approved the $19.1 billion disaster-relief package late Monday. The measure is designed to help ag producers impacted by natural disasters over the last three years, including those in the Southeast affected by Hurricane Michael this past October. The 354-58 vote came after the House returned from its Memorial Day holiday recess …
Chairman Bishop, Congressman Scott Herald Passage of Expanded Disaster Appropriations Bill
Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, and Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) issued the following statement after the full House of Representatives passed a $19.1 billion disaster aid bill by 354-58, sending it directly to the President’s desk: “I am overwhelmingly relieved that …
Long-Sought Disaster Aid Package Passes House
A federal disaster-relief package, long sought by Florida officials and Panhandle residents recovering from the ravages of Hurricane Michael, received approval Monday from the U.S. House after three earlier attempts were blocked. The 354-58 vote, which came after the House returned from a 10-day holiday recess, sends the $19.1 billion package to President Donald Trump. The Senate backed the measure …
Industry Responds to House Passage of Disaster-Aid Bill
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 This bill provides fiscal year 2019 supplemental appropriations to several federal departments and agencies for expenses related to the consequences of recent wildfires, hurricanes, volcanos, earthquakes, typhoons and other natural disasters. The funding provided by this bill is designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits and other budget enforcement rules. The bill …
Livestock Producers Received Higher Prices in April
The latest USDA Ag Prices Index reveals an overall increase in prices received by producers. But as Rod Bain reports, much of that came from the livestock sector. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025
USDA Opens Signup for National Conservation Innovation Grants
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests – ultimately, they improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Program At A Glance National and State CIG – Public and private grantees develop the tools, technologies, and …
Still No Disaster Relief from the U.S. House
Twice this week an attempt was made to pass the long-stalled federal disaster relief bill, but the latest attempt late Thursday afternoon failed again. In the brief pro forma session, this time it was Republican John W. Rose from Tennessee who objected to the consideration of the Senate amendment. The argument all along has been that a vote is needed by …
Application Deadline for FSA Marketing Loans is Friday
This Friday (May 31) is the deadline for farmers to apply for 2018 crop year marketing assistance loans. USDA says this is for assistance loans for feed grains, upland cotton, soybean and minor oilseeds. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator, Richard Fordyce, says the loans provide short-term financing. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement …
USDA Aid Program to Help Farmers
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they will take several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation and trade disruption. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst For …