AFBF Market Intel: Cash Rents Stable in 2020

Clint Thompson General

Farmland cash rent rates remain stable in 2020, according to a Market Intel analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The analysis found that during 2020, the average cash rental rates for cropland, irrigated cropland and pastureland were $139 per acre, $216 per acre and $13 per acre, respectively. These rates were mostly in line with prior-year levels. AFBF Chief …

Farmland Ownership Interest Growing

Clint Thompson Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn more interest in farmland ownership. Farmers National Company says there is a growing interest by individuals and investment funds in owning land. Part of this interest is because of COVID-19’s impact on their investment psychology and the desire to invest in a stable, long-term real asset. The company says people are thinking about the food …

Farmers Showing Optimism in Latest Ag Economy Barometer

Clint Thompson General

Farmers were more optimistic in August, as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose to a reading of 144, 26 points higher than a month earlier. Organizers say the improvement resulted from improved perceptions regarding current conditions and better expectations for the future. The Index of Current Conditions rose 13 points in August to 124 while the Index of …

U.S. Meat Exports to South Korea Face New Round of COVID-19 Restrictions

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Exports/Imports, Livestock

In an effort to contain a recent wave of COVID-19 cases, the government of South Korea has re-imposed heightened social distancing requirements in the Seoul metropolitan area, including restrictions on some food and beverage providers. U.S. Meat Export Federation’s Joe’s Schuele has more details on what this means for U.S. beef and pork exports.   Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports …

Deadline Approaching for CFAP

Clint Thompson Coronavirus

Application Deadline is Sept. 11 WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is Sept. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. “FSA offers several …

1890 Land-Grant Universities Celebrate 130 Years of Cutting-Edge Science

Clint Thompson General

(Washington, D.C., August 28, 2020) – Sunday marks the 130th anniversary of the authorizing legislation establishing the 1890 Land-Grant Universities (LGUs). Almost 30 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act of 1862, the Second Morrill Act, creating our nation’s historically black land-grant colleges, was successfully shepherded through Congress by Senator Justin Smith Morrill and signed into law on …

Why You Should Stake Hydrangea Plants

Dan General

Why you should stake Hydrangea plants. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Not all Hydrangeas are created equal. While some can grow big, bushy blooms without ever flopping over, others require stakes in order to stand tall. This is especially the case after a heavy rain. If the stems of the flowers bend to the ground , you …

Alabama Century & Heritage Farm Applications Due Aug. 28

Clint Thompson General

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) reminds landowners across the state it is still accepting applications for the annual Century and Heritage (C & H) Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs, but the deadline to apply is Aug. 28. The purpose of both programs is to recognize family farms that have played a significant role in Alabama’s history. A …

Long Term Approach Needed to Eliminate Aflatoxin

Clint Thompson General, Peanuts

One well known peanut researcher recently said a long term approach is needed to eliminate aflatoxin. Tyron Spearman has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers Efforts Important to Cattle Producers in FloridaDecember 12, 2025Commitment From Florida Cattle …

Changes Made to SE Hay Contest

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, General, Georgia, Pasture

It was announced last month that the 2020 Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Every year during that event, winners of the Southeast Hay Contest are announced. Organizers of that event had to make a few changes. According to Marcelo Wallau, Forage Extension Specialist with the University of Florida, …