Higher limits are now available for borrowers interested in farm loans from the Department of Agriculture. USDA announced last week the increase would help farmers purchase farms or cover operating expenses. The 2018 Farm Bill increased the amount that producers can borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency, and made changes to other loans, such …
Possible Relief for Truckers/Shippers of Agricultural Products
Last week during a U.S. House Appropriations Sub-committee hearing, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue discussed the issue of truckers shipping farm products. And according to a story from Gary Crawford, there may soon be some relief from the problems caused by new rules and electronic logging. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025FCEB …
States Suffering from Lack of Action on Disaster Aid
Late last week, U.S. Senators from the Southeast joined Senate colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, in expressing disappointment in Congress’ failure to deliver critical disaster aid to their states to assist in recovery efforts from natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. It has now been over six months since parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia were …
Florida Agriculture Concerned with Budget Issues
The Florida agriculture community sent a letter this week to state budget leaders concerning issues with funding certain aspects of agriculture. Sam Ard, Florida Cattlemen’s Association director of governmental affairs, explains what the letter was about and updates other items still being discussed during the Florida legislative session. Here is a copy of the letter: Speaker of the House Jose …
Senators Decry Lack Of Action On Disaster Aid For Suffering States
U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) joined Senate colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), in expressing disappointment in Congress’ failure to deliver critical disaster aid to their states to assist in recovery efforts from natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. It has been six months since Georgia and Florida took a direct hit from Hurricane …
Disaster Aid Uncertain in Congress
Disaster aid for states hit by flooding is more uncertain as Congress nears recess and ag lawmakers seem at odds over what producers need. Politico reports negotiations to pass a disaster relief package have collapsed just as another storm hits the Midwest and Great Plains, prompting blizzard warnings from Colorado to Minnesota. Midwest Senators are pushing for a disaster bill …
Perdue Urges Passage of a Disaster Bill
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is urging lawmakers to pass a disaster bill, one that will help farmers who have suffered from the various natural disasters. Gary Crawford has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025FCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
NAP Buy-Up Coverage Now Availability
Changes apply Beginning April 8, 2019 USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety net program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee waivers for qualified military veterans …
Ag Economy Barometer Drifts Lower
Farmers are expressing more concerns regarding the future as the monthly Ag Economy Barometer drifts lower. Released this week, the March survey fell to 133 down from 136 a month earlier. Organizers say increasing concerns about future economic conditions drove the barometer lower as the Index of Future Expectations declined to 139 in March compared to an index value of …
Florida Ag Commissioner Urges Support for Fresh From Florida Budget
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried urges Florida farmers to make their voices heard now during this tough year for agriculture program funding. She says state lawmakers are debating key budget items between House and Senate versions that could leave some department programs woefully underfunded. One area of big concern right now is the popular Fresh From Florida marketing program. In …