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 …
COVID-19 Impact on Agriculture
According to a USDA economist, the disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. agricultural system have been broad and varied. Tyron Spearman has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding Crucial For Forage DevelopmentMay 22, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding to Enhance Brahman GeneticsMay 15, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Coalition Seeks CCC Funds for Farm Workers
More than 160 farm groups as part of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition want Commodity Credit Corporation funds to help protect farmworkers. In a letter to Vice President Mike Pence, the coalition says, “We ask for your help as we continue to promote the health and safety of our farm employees and rural communities.” Pence is head of the White House …
Farm Groups Applaud CCC Agreement
The decision by House lawmakers to include Commodity Credit Corporation funding in the continuing resolution demonstrates their support for America’s farmers, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The stopgap measure provides nearly $8 billion for nutrition assistance programs, replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation and stipulate some Congressional oversight of spending through CCC. Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, …
AFBF: Congress Must Leave Farmers and Ranchers Out of Political Fight
Election year politics are putting ad-hoc farm safety net tools in jeopardy. The continuing resolution in the House of Representatives this week does not include a replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). The $30 billion CCC fund is used, in part, to aid farmers and ranchers in times of economic emergencies. In a statement, American Farm Bureau Federation President …
How Peanuts Fare Under CFAP-2
Last Friday it was announced that up to an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers facing market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19 could sign up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) starting today, Sept. 21. Tyron Spearman explains how peanuts fare under this new round of CFAP. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding Crucial For Forage …
Focus of 2020 National Farm Safety and Health Week
Making sure the safety and health of every agricultural producer counts is the focus of this year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week, which started Sunday, Sept. 20. Rod Bain has more details about the campaign designed to acknowledge, celebrate and uplift America’s farmers and ranchers. National Farm Safety and Health Week for 2020 runs September 20-26. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle …
Commissioner Fried to Florida Farmers: Apply for Second Round of USDA Support Immediately
Tallahassee, Fla. — Following this morning’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on additional funding to support agricultural producers facing market disruptions and costs due to COVID-19, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is urging all eligible Florida farmers to apply as soon as applications open on Monday, September 21 with the enrollment period running through December 11, 2020. Up to an additional $14 billion has been designated for additional support through the Coronavirus Food Assistance …