USDA: Commodity Purchases Reach $2.2 Billion Through Aid Program

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia

The Department of Agriculture announced the purchases of more than $2.2 billion of food items for fiscal years 2019 and 2020. The purchases are part of the ongoing efforts to feed people in need and assist American farmers and ranchers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. USDA is on target to reach its fiscal year …

More Progress Needed on U.S. Beef Access to Saudi Arabia

Clint Thompson Alabama, Beef, Exports/Imports, Florida, Georgia

While Saudi Arabia did recently lift its 30-month cattle age restriction on U.S. beef, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) notes other product restrictions do remain in place. Joe Schuele has the story. According to USMEF, U.S. exports to Saudi Arabia in 2019 totaled $14.3 million. Through April of this year, exports were substantially below the 2019 pace at just …

Peanut Crop Update

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Peanuts

Tyron Spearman has a look at how things currently stand with this year’s peanut crop. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025

Grim Outlook Continues for Cotton Farmers

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cotton, Florida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Last week’s release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showing cotton supply/demand numbers and projections paints a grim picture for farmers in the Southeast. Don Shurley, a retired cotton economist and Professor Emeritus of Cotton Economics at the University of Georgia, said the remaining outlook for the old cotton crop and near term outlook for the new …

AEM Releases May 2020 Ag Equipment Sales Numbers

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia

Overall unit sales of agricultural tractors and combines in May 2020 rose in the United States. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) says smaller machine sales growth is overpowering declines in the bigger segments and combines. U.S. total farm tractor sales rose 15.1% in May compared to 2019, while U.S. May combine sales fell 2.9%. Heavy-duty tractor sales declined, but …

USDA Updates CFAP Numbers

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has processed more than 220,000 Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments to farmers and ranchers. In a weekly update, USDA data shows the department has issued $2.8 billion to farmers so far, with Iowa producers receiving the most, at $144 million for row crops and $150 million for livestock. Iowa also accounts for the highest …

A Rebound in Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Sectors

Clint Thompson Alabama, Dairy, Florida, Georgia, Livestock, Poultry

June’s USDA outlook for meat and dairy indicate increases in several production and price categories compared to the previous month. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future …

Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Virus Confirmed in Alabama Cotton

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cotton, Georgia

Alabama Cooperative Extension AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.— Alabama Cooperative Extension System scientists have confirmed the presence of cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV-AL) in Alabama cotton. This confirmation comes one month earlier than it did in 2019 and that concerns them. “Typically, the earlier disease onset occurs, the greater the associated yield loss,” said Austin Hagan, an Alabama Extension plant pathologist. “We …

More Details Concerning ARC-PLC Enrollment

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia

Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2020 must do so by June 30. Tyron Spearman has more details about what producers need to know when contacting their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to sign a 2020 enrollment contract. For more information on ARC and …

Georgia Agribusiness Council Harvest Celebration Coming in November

Clint Thompson Georgia

We’ve all heard about various events being cancelled the past few weeks due to COVID-19, but it was announced this week that early bird tickets are now available for a big event coming this fall. The Georgia Agribusiness (GAC) Harvest Celebration will be held November 20. GAC President Will Bentley says the event will be a wonderful time to celebrate …