By Clint Thompson The Southeast peanut industry returned to Panama City Beach, Florida, this week for its annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference. After a couple of years away at other locations, the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation returned to the popular beach site for the three-day conference, which started on Wednesday and will conclude on Friday. Don Koehler, executive director of …
GCC Mid-Year Meeting Highlights Various Factors Impacting Cotton Crop, Industry
By Clint Thompson and Dale Sandlin The Georgia Cotton Commission held its annual mid-year meeting in Statesboro on Wednesday. Various topics were highlighted during the day-long event, including the low acreage planted with this year’s crop. Taylor Sills, Georgia Cotton Commission’s (GCC) executive director, talked about the importance of the meeting held at the Nesmith-Lane Conference Center in Statesboro, Georgia, …
Senate Committee Advances Bill To Provide Funding to USDA Agencies
Senate Moves Forward with $27.1 Billion USDA Funding Package The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations has advanced the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, a bill allocating $27.1 billion in discretionary spending to key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies. According to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the measure is designed to strengthen …
Alabama Cattlemen Kick Off the AJCA Roundup This Week
Youth and Livestock Take Center Stage in Montgomery This week, Montgomery, Alabama is hosting one of the state’s most anticipated agricultural youth events — the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) Roundup. Organized by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA), the event brings together young cattle enthusiasts from across the state for a week full of competition, education, and community. Erin Beasley, …
USDA Raises Milk Production and Price Forecasts for 2025–2026
USDA Forecasts Stronger U.S. Milk Output and Price Adjustments The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its latest milk product class and price forecast for 2025 and 2026, offering new insights into the dairy sector’s economic trajectory. According to World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski, the outlook includes significant upward revisions in production and modest shifts in commodity …
USDA Fires 70 Foreign Researchers Following Security Review
USDA Acts on National Security Concerns in Food Supply Chain In a significant development reported by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated 70 foreign contract researchers. The move follows a national security review aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. food supply from foreign adversaries. A USDA spokesperson confirmed the action, …
USDA Announces Millions in Hurricane Relief for Florida Farmers
Secretary Rollins Confirms Major Disaster Assistance for Florida Agriculture Block Grant Agreement to Address Citrus, Timber, Infrastructure, and Market Losses (USDA/Washington, D.C./July 21, 2025) – In a major move to support hurricane-stricken agricultural producers, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced $675.9 million in disaster assistance for Florida farmers during a visit with state agricultural leaders. The funding will …
USMEF Urges USTR to Review Market Issues in Africa and the Caribbean
U.S. Meat Export Federation Pushes for Trade Barrier Reforms The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is calling on the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take decisive action to address persistent trade barriers in several African and Caribbean nations that are restricting U.S. red meat exports. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom highlighted key market access challenges, …
USDA Reveals Plan to Address Foodborne Illness
New Food Safety Laboratory Opens with National Strategy to Protect Consumers The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat foodborne illness with the recent opening of its modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory. Announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the plan enhances the Department’s approach to food safety, particularly concerning meat, poultry, and egg products. …
USDA Announces Shutdown of Regional Food Business Centers Program
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers Program, a USDA initiative launched during the pandemic under the Biden Administration. The decision marks a major shift in how the agency plans to support regional food systems moving forward. Program Faced Operational and Funding Challenges The program, administered through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service …










