On Thursday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue gave an update on a potential second tranche of payments to producers under a USDA tariff mitigation program. Rod Bain has the details. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
October Ag Economy Barometer Improves
(NAFB) — The October Ag Economy Barometer improved to a reading of 136 in October, up 15 points compared to September. The monthly measure of the farm economy saw an increase in the assessment of current and future conditions by farmers. The Current Conditions Index rose from 100 in September to 115 in October, and the Futures Expectations Index also …
China Urges Trump to Lift Tariffs
(NAFB) — China wants the United States to commit to lifting tariffs to reach a phase one trade agreement. The South China Morning Post reports Beijing needs America to be more responsive to its concerns, if it wants Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the U.S. to sign the deal. There’s been no firm commitment by the U.S. to delay …
COUNTRY Financial Invests in Agriculture
COUNTRY Financial continues to invest in agriculture in many states, including Alabama and Georgia. Their Farm Underwriting Manager, Craig Conroy, recently discussed with Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman how the company started, and why they find it valuable to visit and know what is going on at each farm they serve. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida …
Agriculture Appropriations Pass the Senate
Funding for fiscal year 2020 for the U.S. Department of Agriculture was part of a mini-omnibus spending bill passed by the Senate last week. Rod Bain has the story. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides …
Lawmakers Working to Complete Funding Package
This week in the Senate, lawmakers have been working to complete a funding package that includes four of the appropriations bills for the new fiscal year. One of those bills funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other agricultural programs. National Cotton Council Vice President of Washington Operations, Reece Langley, shares his outlook on this round of the appropriations process. Sponsored …
Farm Bankruptcies up 24 Percent Since Trade War Start
(NAFB) — Farm bankruptcies are at the highest level seen since 2011. Data compiled by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows farm bankruptcies surged 24 percent since the trade war with China began. For the 12-month period ending September 2019, Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies totaled 580 filings, the highest level since 676 filings in 2011. AFBF Chief Economist John Newton …
House Agriculture Committee Approves Bipartisan CFTC Reauthorization
The House Agriculture Committee approved H.R. 4895, a bill to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) and Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee Ranking Member Austin Scott (GA-8) released the following remarks upon passage: “This reauthorization provides the CFTC with the tools it needs to successfully regulate the U.S. derivatives market, safeguard consumers, …
Farm Legacy Planning Through COUNTRY Financial
COUNTRY Financial invests in the future of ag, and advance financial planning is an important part of any operation. Tom Royer, senior financial specialist at COUNTRY Financial, talked with Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman about Farm Legacy Planning, and why having conversations with the whole family is important to plan for the family farm’s future. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida …
U.S. Cattle on Feed Down 1 Percent
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its October Cattle on Feed Report. The new numbers show that as of Oct. 1, there were 11.3 million head of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market. That is 1 percent below Oct. 1, 2018. Gary Crawford discusses whether we are about to enter a cattle herd contraction. USDA livestock analyst Shayle …