All segments of agricultural equipment sales grew in September 2020, continuing a positive trend for the year, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. U.S. total farm tractor sales rose 21.6% in September compared to 2019, while combine sales grew 8.2%. Four-wheel-drive units increased for the second month in a row in September, up 21.4%, cutting the year-to-date deficit almost …
PLC Payments Coming
October is the month when payments through the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program to farmers takes place. According to a report from Tyron Spearman, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is starting to make those payments. 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 …
No Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in 2021
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo’s executive committee voted unanimously last week to cancel the 2021 Show scheduled for Jan. 15 through Feb. 6. Event leadership says, “The challenges we face to create practical and enforceable protocols and procedures to comply with COVID-19 guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are extremely daunting.” More than 30,000 …
Sunbelt Ag Expo Monthly Blog Series
In September, the Sunbelt Ag Expo announced their new monthly blog series. Due to the fact this year’s Expo will not be held because of Covid-19, a decision was made to do a monthly online event. Each month a new topic will be presented, and this month they are discussing backyard gardening. The blog series takes place every Tuesday on …
Live Citrus Crop Forecast Today
On Oct. 9, the initial citrus crop forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will be broadcast live at 12:00 p.m. EST. Tune in to the report on the Southeast AgNet Radio Network or online at CitrusIndustry.net/citrus-crop-forecast/. The live 2020–2021 citrus crop forecast is sponsored by Aerobotics, Farm Credit of Florida, Labor Solutions, OrangeRX and TradeMark …
Farmers Showing More Optimism in Monthly Ag Economy Barometer
U.S. agricultural producers became more optimistic again in September. The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed to 156, the highest reading for the index since the pandemic began last winter and 12 points higher than one-month earlier. Since July, the index is up 38 points and is 60 points higher than its 2020 low established back in April. In …
Study: COVID-19 Caused $8 Billion Loss for Ethanol Producers
A new study by university economists finds ethanol producers will experience roughly $8 billion in losses this year due to the pandemic’s impact on world fuel markets. The study, conducted by economists from the University of Florida and Arizona State University, was published recently in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Industrial Organization. The estimated economic loss grows to a …
FFA Introduces “Agricultural Education for All”
The National FFA organization announced its new Agricultural Education for All roadmap. The plan outlines the strategies the organization is taking to support inclusion, diversity and equity. The FFA wants to ensure that the organization is a bully-free zone that reflects society’s demographics in membership, leadership, and staff, and celebrates individuality. “FFA is building the next generation of leaders – …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Announces New Farmworker COVID-19 Testing Efforts
Tallahassee, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced today new efforts to provide COVID-19 testing for farmworkers as the fall harvest season begins, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), and local county governments. Beginning this week, farmworkers will have access to numerous no-cost COVID-19 testing …
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers, Livestock Producers in Alabama, Surrounding States Impacted by Hurricane Sally
MOBILE, Ala., Sept. 30, 2020 – Hurricane Sally’s flooding and high winds impacted agricultural operations in Alabama and surrounding states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. As agricultural producers move into recovery mode and assess damages, they should contact their local USDA Service Center to report …