The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer took a big jump up in October. The October index came in at 136, which was 22 points higher than the September index, and sits at a number close to its level in 2017. The driving force behind the jump in the index level was the improved way that producers see both current …
State Cabinet Race Heads Toward Recount
Despite a declaration of victory Tuesday night by Republican Matt Caldwell, the race for Florida agriculture commissioner likely will require a recount, joining expected recounts in the U.S. Senate race and a handful of state legislative contests. Caldwell, a state House member from North Fort Myers, led by less than 13,000 votes late Wednesday morning in the Cabinet race against …
Expert Researchers Meet to Discuss Science Related to Heat Stress
Researchers representing disciplines such as the military, agriculture and sports medicine met in late October to discuss the latest advances in science and technology related to occupational heat stress in the Southeast. The Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (SCCAHS) brought together scientists from the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, Emory University and …
Farm Bureau Looks Forward to Working with New Congress
The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “We look forward to working with the new Congress to strengthen agriculture by fixing the ag labor problems we face, boosting our farm economy via export growth and reducing the burden and cost of federal regulations. Supporting the use of farm-grown fuels, fixing our nation’s broken …
Extra Beef, Pork Supplies Pressuring Chicken
Trade issues have led to an increasing supply of beef and pork, which in turn is pressuring poultry sales. The extra beef and pork means retailers are featuring those products more than poultry, luring consumers away from chicken purchases. Pilgrim’s Pride CEO Bill Lovette says the chicken processor posted a sharp drop in third-quarter earnings. The drop was attributed to …
Beef Exports Remain Solid; Pork Exports Still Facing Headwinds
U.S. beef exports remained very strong in September while pork exports continued to be impacted by retaliatory duties in China and Mexico, According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports cooled from the record results posted in August, but were still significantly higher year-over-year. September beef exports totaled 110,100 metric tons, …
Caldwell Claims Victory in Agriculture Commissioner Race
Republican state Rep. Matt Caldwell declared victory Tuesday night as he held a narrow advantage in the contest to succeed term-limited Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. Caldwell, a real-estate appraiser from North Fort Myers, gave an acceptance speech from an election watch party, according to WGCU Public Media. As of 11:30 p.m., Caldwell led Democrat Nikki Fried by about 41,000 votes …
Activists Allowed to Expand Attack on Beef Checkoff
The announcement that R-CALF will be allowed to expand its activist-funded crusade against state beef councils is a disappointment to countless beef producers and NCBA members across America. The phony allegations being perpetuated by R-CALF and its activist legal partners are without merit and only serve to divide beef producers and distract beef councils from the important work of building …
Alabama Hurricane Disaster Assistance Signup Ends Friday
Alabama agricultural producers affected by Hurricane Michael are being reminded that the special financial assistance signup for those who suffered damage to working lands and livestock mortality ends Friday, Nov. 9. This assistance, through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, is available to individual farmers and ranchers to aid in recovery efforts on their properties and does not apply to local …
FAS Administrator Isley to Lead South Korea Trade Mission
Representatives from nearly 50 U.S. agribusinesses and farm organizations will join Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Ken Isley on a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade mission to Seoul, South Korea, Nov. 5-8. “Korea is consistently among the largest and most reliable export markets for U.S. agriculture and the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, known as KORUS, has opened up even …