administrator

USDA FSA County Committee Nominations Now Open

The USDA FSA has opened the nomination period for its 2025 County Committee elections. With more than 2,200 committees nationwide, these local governing bodies play a critical role in how federal programs are implemented at the local level. FSA Director Bill Beam highlights that nearly 7,700 producers serve on FSA committees, each comprised of 3 to 11 elected members who …

wildland firefighters

Wildland Firefighters Prepared as Peak Fire Season Begins

As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of wildfires across the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking decisive action in anticipation of an above-normal fire season, with nearly 96% of the Forest Service’s 11,300 firefighter hiring target already met and full staffing expected by mid-July. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized that America now …

Protecting Peanuts: Managing Fungicide Resistance with Smart Strategies

Peanut growers pour their energy into every growing season, aiming for healthy crops and high yields. But as challenges like white mold and leaf spot persist, experts are urging producers to be proactive—especially when it comes to fungicide resistance. We spoke with Abraham Fulmer of BASF, who emphasized the importance of diversifying fungicide programs and staying ahead of resistance. “Fungicide …

senate

Alabama Cattlemen’s Previews National Legislative Efforts

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is joining other state cattlemen’s associations this week in Washington DC as part of NCBA’s Region 1 & 2 Legislative Fly-in. We caught up with Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Executive Erin Beasley who previewed the trip and the legislative policies they are working on. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida …

Cattle Slaughter Trending Upward & Cutout Prices On The Rise Due To Seasonal Demand

CattleFax is reporting that Cattle Slaughter & Cutout Prices are trending upward. According to Terrel Platt, Analyst for CattleFax, cattle slaughter placed against supplies are the smallest in the May and June windows, favoring cattle feeder leverage and limit packer margins into summer compared to historical norms. In the past two weeks, total cattle slaughter was up 12,000 head from …

climate hubs

Crop Planting Progress Makes Big Improvement Week over Week

Corn and Soybean Planting is in high gear over the past week with both crops making a big increase according to USDA’s crop planting progress report released earlier this week. Brad Rippey, USDA Meteorologist, provides a breakdown on the planting progress in the reporting states. Five of the reporting states for corn  and six of the reporting states for soybeans …

Alabama Cattlemen’s Hosts Beef Checkoff Council Meeting

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is hosting their Beef Checkoff Council this week for one of their quarterly meetings each year. Erin Beasley with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association shared the focus of this meeting and the role that this group plays in the promotion of beef in Alabama. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, …

food prices

USDA Making Changes to SNAP Program

The US Department of Agriculture has announced that they are making changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In a memorandum to all state agencies administering the SNAP program, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins reiterated the authority to grant state SNAP Agency requests to waive the time limit on receiving SNAP benefits by Able Bodied Adults without Dependents who …

Jelly Bean prayer

The Jelly Bean Prayer

With today being Good Friday, the markets are closed. So, Mark Oppold takes time to bring us his annual Jelly Bean Prayer. 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 Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, 2026United …

USMEF

USMEF Hosts Trade Seminar With African Countries Matching Exporters with Buyers

The US Meat Export Federation hosted a trade seminar in Ghana with the aim of bringing together US red meat exporters with buyers from twelve African nations. During the two-day event, importers and exporters held direct meetings, heard presentations from USDA, USMEF and representatives from the US Cattle industry, as well as successful African meat businesses. Matt Copeland USMEF Africa …