Perdue: It Has Been a Privilege to Serve Farmers

Dan General, USDA

(NAFB) — Former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, via Twitter this week, stated, “It has been a privilege to serve America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers the past four years.” The former head of the Department of Agriculture promised to continue to fight for U.S. agriculture. Perdue highlighted his visits to farms in all 50 states, saying, “I have learned that while …

Farmland Market and Prospects for 2021

Dan Economy, General

One expert says farmland values managed to hold their ground in 2020, despite Covid-19. Gary Crawford has a story looking at what those values are expected to do in 2021. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers Efforts Important to …

COVID-19 Impacts Mental Health on the Farm

Dan Aquaculture, Cattle, Citrus, Coronavirus, Field Crops, General, Industry, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops

A strong majority of farmers and farm-workers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health, according to a new American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) poll. The poll also indicates that more than half say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago. The survey of rural adults and farmers/farmworkers reveals how the pandemic …

Interviews with Tom Vilsack for Secretary of Agriculture

Dan Field Crops, General, Peanuts

We told you recently that Tom Vilsack, former Secretary of Agriculture, is President Joe Biden’s pick to once again hold that position. And according to a story from Tyron Spearman, the interview process for that to happen is underway. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember …

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 …

Agriculture groups Ready to Work with Biden Administration

Dan Environment, General

AFBF Congratulates President Biden on Inauguration (AFBF) — American Farm Bureau (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall commented on the inauguration of President Joe Biden, who was sworn-in as the 46th President of the United States. “The American Farm Bureau Federation congratulates President Joe Biden as he begins his term as 46th president of the United States. We also congratulate Vice President Kamala Harris …

U. S. Researchers to Host Webinar about COVID-19 Disruptions to Food Supply Chains

Dan Alabama, Coronavirus, Florida, General, Georgia, Industry News Release

(UF/IFAS) — A multi-region, multi-institution research and outreach team investigating the impact of COVID-19 on food and agricultural systems will host a free webinar those engaged in the food supply chain at any level at 2 p.m. EST January 28, 2021. Participants interested in the webinar can register at https://tinyurl.com/lessonsfromcovid-webinar. This hour-long webinar is part of the Lessons from COVID-19: …

Contract Swine, Poultry Producers Now Eligible for CFAP Assistance

Dan Coronavirus, Economy, Pork, Poultry, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last Friday they will be providing additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This includes expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Contract producers of broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs, turkeys, and swine who …

CEO of National FFA Organization Resigns

Dan General

Last Friday, the National FFA Board of Directors and National FFA Board of Trustees announced the resignation of Mark Poeschl as CEO of the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation. In a statement, Poeschl said, “It’s been my distinct honor to serve in this role since August 2016. I know there have been challenges we have faced during my tenure, but my intentions have …

Additional Assistance Offered for Certain Producers Through CFAP

Dan Coronavirus, Economy, Industry News Release, USDA

(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify …