(NAFB) — President Joe Biden designated acting leaders to federal agencies to oversee the government until his political appointments are confirmed upon taking office. Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary. Shea will assume the duties until the Senate confirms Biden’s pick, Tom Vilsack, for the top post at USDA. Shea has been the administrator of USDA’s Animal …
Perdue: It Has Been a Privilege to Serve Farmers
(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
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 Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track …
COVID-19 Impacts Mental Health on the Farm
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
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 Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in …
Florida Legislators Looking at State Finances Ahead of 2021 Session
(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
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
(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
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
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 …