Ag Economy Barometer Drifts Lower

Clint Thompson Economy

The Ag Economy Barometer drifted lower in January to a reading of 167, a decline of seven points compared to December and equal to the index’s November reading. Organizers say the barometer’s decline over the last three months is attributable to weaker expectations for the future. The Index of Future Expectations has fallen 35 points or about 19% since October. …

Farm Bankruptcies Decline During 2020

Clint Thompson Economy

Farm bankruptcies slightly decreased in 2020, but an industry economist warns farmers are “not out of the woods yet.” Caseload statistics from U.S. Courts indicate that Chapter 12 family farm and family fishery bankruptcies totaled 552 filings during 2020, down 43 filings, or 7%, from 2019, the third highest over the last decade. American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John …

ruling

Updated Guide to USDA Programs Opens the Door to Available Funding

Dan Economy, Farm Bill, Legislative, USDA-NRCS

Due to the wide range of resources available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it can be difficult for farmers and ranchers to navigate and stay up to date with program changes after each farm bill. But, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants you to know with the newly updated “Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches, and Communities”, it’s easy to find …

pay

Are Consumers Willing to Pay More for Florida OJ?

Dan Citrus, Economy, Florida, Orange Juice

Multiple studies point to the value consumers place on Florida citrus and their willingness to pay for the “Florida” brand. Lisa House, director of the Florida Agricultural Market Research Center and a professor in the Food and Resource Economics Department at the University of Florida, recently spoke on this subject in a Florida Department of Citrus webinar. She provided an overview of …

redistricting plan

Florida Legislators Looking at State Finances Ahead of 2021 Session

Dan Coronavirus, Economy, Florida, Legislative

(NSF) — A top Florida economist mentioned in a ????? article told lawmakers last week that financial problems could linger for a couple of years because of the resurging coronavirus pandemic. This comes as first-time unemployment claims tripled in the first full week of 2021. Amy Baker, the coordinator of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, says that …