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 …
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 Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers …
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, …