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 ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of …
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 ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement …