Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried A $19.1 billion disaster relief bill – set for passage seven months after Category 5 Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle – was single-handedly blocked by a lone freshman member of the House of Representatives. Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement: “It’s craven, shameful politics at its worst that a single House member would choose …
U.S. House Does Not Pass Disaster-Relief Package
It was over 7½ months ago that the Category 5 Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Florida Panhandle before moving through parts of Alabama and Georgia. On Thursday, the U.S. Senate finally passed a $19.1 billion disaster relief package in an 85-8 vote, which would provide disaster-aid funding to various parts of the U.S. not only because of hurricanes, but …
Industry Reaction to U.S. Senate Approval of a Disaster Aid Package
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) applauded Senate passage of a disaster supplemental that will provide much-needed funds to Florida’s Northwest communities, which were devastated by Hurricane Michael more than seven months ago. With Senate passage, Rubio urged the U.S. House of Representatives to swiftly approve the long overdue disaster relief package, and send the measure …
Perdue Says No “Long-Term Fallout” From Dispute with China
The U.S. trade talks with China seem to be a long way from wrapping up. However, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue is trying to assure producers that when an agreement is finally reached, it will be good for farmers’ pocketbooks. When that agreement is reached, Perdue says China will be purchasing even more farm goods than they had before the trade …
Deadline for NAP Buy-Up Coverage is Friday
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers this Friday, May 24 is the deadline to obtain buy-up coverage for 2019 or 2020 eligible crops for which the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) application closing date has passed. They note that higher levels of coverage are now being offered through NAP. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and …
Deere Slowing Production of Farm Equipment
John Deere says it will slow production output at certain facilities by as much as 20 percent year-over-year during the second half of 2019. Reasons for the decision range from trade uncertainty to a host of other issues pressuring the ag industry. Director of Investor Relations Josh Jepsen says output reductions will mainly focus on large equipment in the North …
Present and Future Price Challenges for Dairy Producers
Several factors have led to lower dairy prices. But Rod Bain has a report looking at the outlook for dairy producers from both a price and a demand perspective going forward. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding to Enhance Brahman GeneticsMay 15, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary …
Nikki Fried Urges Immediate Action by U.S. Senate on Disaster Relief
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried urged the U.S. Senate to take immediate action on long-overdue Hurricane Michael relief. With both chambers set to adjourn on Friday until June 3, Fried asked senators to send a bipartisan disaster assistance package to the President’s desk before the end of the week. The U.S. House passed a bipartisan disaster bill on May 10. …
Panel Advocates for Florida Ag to Florida Delegation
A panel of Florida agricultural leaders had a unique opportunity on May 16 to discuss Florida agriculture issues in front of the Florida delegation in Washington, D.C. The panel mainly focused on two topics: hurricane relief dollars and the impact of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) on Florida produce. Led by delegation co-chairs, Alcee Hastings and Vern Buchanan, Florida’s …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Addresses Florida Congressional Delegation in Washington
Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried appeared before Members of Congress from Florida to discuss key issues facing the agriculture industry. At the invitation of delegation co-chairs U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Fried spoke on a panel alongside industry group leaders from the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, and the Florida Forestry Association. Commissioner Fried raised …