By Clint Thompson Cotton plantings are nearing the scheduled start dates for many South Georgia farmers – that’s if rains start falling soon in the Southeast. The Georgia Cotton Commission advises growers that they may have to adjust their plans amid the current drought which has “exceptional drought conditions” being observed throughout South Georgia. In some cases, dryland growers need …
USDA Finalizes National Environmental Policy Act Rule
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced last week that USDA has finalized a rule to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. According to the Department, the changes outlined in the rule “consolidated seven agency-specific NEPA regulations into a single, department wide framework, reducing the overall volume of regulations by 66 percent.” Secretary Rollins said, “Since last July, agencies …
USMEF Hosts U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City Next Week
The U.S. Meat Export Federation is hosting the U.S. Red Meat Symposium April 14-17, 2026, in Mexico City providing face-to-face opportunities between importers and prospective customers throughout Mexico. USMEF Regional Director for Mexico and Central America, Gerardo Rodriguez provides an overview of the symposium. Rodriguez said, “The exporters that are going to be having their product being showcased, they are going …
National Peanut Board Launching New Campaign Next Month
Each peanut farmer, as he produces his peanuts, is involved in a national checkoff program for the purpose of promotion, research, and education. The National Peanut Board, based in Atlanta, is the manager of that program, about 13 million dollars a year. The National Peanut Board now has announced a launch in a bold, unified campaign to put USA Peanuts front and center with …
Deputy Secretary Vaden Shares Details on Forest Service Relocation Efforts
With the recent announcement of the relocation of the US Forest Service Headquarters to Salt Lake City and operational service centers in various locations across the country, we caught up with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden to learn what forestry professionals can expect from this reorganization. Deputy Secretary Vaden said, “Well, what they can expect is a lot more focus …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Hosts Youth Field Day
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association recently held a field day for young cattle producers and we caught up with Bailey Watson with ACA to learn more. Watson said, “So last Wednesday, April 1st, we held our spring AJCA Youth Field Day. Usually we hold this year, we only did one this spring because of competition, but we still had a great turnout. …
Florida Beef Council Springs into Action With Educational and Promotional Efforts
The Florida Beef Council is entering a busy few weeks ahead with several educational and promotional events and we caught up with Deanne Maples with the Florida Beef Council to learn more. Maples said, “Spring has sprung. It is always a really busy time for us. The beef conversation is blooming, if you will, and so we’ve recently kicked off a new …
Georgia Beef Board Focuses on Beef Quality Assurance
The Georgia Beef Board is focusing on Beef Quality Assurance, especially through the upcoming Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Convention. We caught up with Wyatt Doolittle to learn more. Doolittle said, “So BQA focuses on best practices in cattle care, everything from proper handling and nutrition to herd health and record keeping. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure we’re …
Georgia Cotton Commission Approves 2027 Research
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission Board of Directors has approved $725,875 in research for the 2027 crop year. The approval was made during the March board meeting. The money will finance 17 projects conducted by University of Georgia researchers and Extension specialists. Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission, discussed the research and its importance on …
Beef Exports Access To Saudi Arabia Expanded
U.S. Beef Exporters now have greater access to selling beef in Saudi Arabia due to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s announcement that participating in the Export Verification Program will no longer be required for importers. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains how the removal of this barrier will impacts a growing foodservice market. Halstrom said, …










