Vilsack: Shutdown Impacts Could Last Years

The government shutdown could cause a ripple effect across the federal government for years, according to former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Vilsack recently told Politico that the effects could take years to realize, like the ramifications of pausing some Forest Service efforts to reduce fire hazards. Specifically, Vilsack said, “You may not see the consequences of this until August of …

Florida Hurricane Michael Relief Fund Reminder

Farmers and ranchers in North Florida that suffered losses due to Hurricane Michael are being reminded that applications are still being accepted for help through “The Hurricane Michael Relief Fund for Agriculture”. Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) created the relief fund to help North Florida farm families recovering from agricultural-related losses from the storm. These applications are limited to North …

Increased Disaster Funding Efforts

Congressmen from across the Southeast were instrumental in adding $1.9 billion in disaster relief for farmers suffering agricultural losses to the supplemental appropriations bill approved this week by the U.S. House of Representatives. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical …

Dairy Prices May Be Ready to Rise in 2019

Milk prices haven’t exactly jumped higher early on in 2019. A Drovers’ report says dairy farmers are in need of a market rally after years of low prices. However, at least some relief may be coming this year. Bryan Doherty, VP of Stewart-Peterson, tells Drovers that dairy is a tough market to be in right now because there’s too much …

House Bill Would Increase Disaster Relief For Farmers

Alabama congressmen were instrumental in adding $1.9 billion in disaster relief for farmers suffering agricultural losses to the supplemental appropriations bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a 237-187 vote.  H.R. 268 originally authorized $1.1 billion for relief. During debate, an amendment co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Robert Aderholt and Martha Roby and Democrat Terri Sewell was adopted, increasing …

USDA May Call Back Some Employees

USDA may call back many Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office workers to process farm loans and other applications, deeming those employees as “essential,” according to American Farm Bureau officials. The White House has already okayed key government services including food stamp benefits and tax refunds during the partial shutdown that affects USDA, the IRS and other departments and agencies. …

Farmers Under Fire: Trial Lawyers’ Attack on Agriculture

Agriculture is in the crosshairs as class-action lawsuits seek huge monetary awards against agricultural producers, said a panel of experts at a workshop at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th Annual Convention. Panelists Andy Curliss, CEO of the North Carolina Pork Council; Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agriculture Law Center and Blake Hurst, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau …

Ag Economy Barometer Declines in December

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined moderately in December to 127, seven points below the index’s value one month earlier. The Barometer is a monthly nationwide measure of the health of the U.S. agricultural economy. A rating below 100 is negative, while a rating above 100 indicates positive sentiment regarding the agriculture industry. The December 2018 barometer was …