New data released this week by USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) shows the number of U.S. farms continues to decline. After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. Researchers say the rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflect the growing productivity of agriculture, increased mechanization, …
GPC Pleads with House Committee on Ag About Farm Bill Needs
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) pleaded with members of the House Committee on Agriculture on Monday during a listening session about what farmers need in the next Farm Bill. Joe Boddiford, a fifth-generation farmer and chairman of the GPC, was on hand to speak about the Farm Bill’s importance to his state’s producers. “Georgia peanut growers support …
Importance of Cotton Growers Planting Dryland Fields Following Rain Event
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia Extension Cotton Team remind producers about the importance of planting their dryland crop on the heels of a rain event. Chances of rain are high for this upcoming weekend. Growers should optimize their planting schedules to take advantage of much needed moisture, says Camp Hand, UGA Extension cotton agronomist. …
Alabama Farm Honored with Environmental Stewardship Award
It was announced back in February during the Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans, that Carter Cattle Company, LLC, in Pintlala, Alabama, was selected as one of seven regional winners of the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The farm represents the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Region Two. Then this week, during the annual NCBA’s Fly-in Legislative Conference in Washington D.C., it was announced that Carter …
Restaurant Landscape Changing in Rural America
Restaurant options in rural America keep growing. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The food-away-from-home retail landscape continues to evolve. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) recently examined the changing food-away-from-home landscape in nonmetropolitan counties between 1990 and 2019, with a focus on the most rural counties. As of 1990, full-service restaurants were the most common restaurant type, making …
May Beef Month in Georgia Kicks Off Monday
May Beef Month in Georgia officially kicks off next Monday, and the Georgia Beef Board (GBB) staff is ready to get the annual event underway. GBB Director of Public Relations, Taylor Evans, explains what all they have planned this year. To learn more about May Beef Month in Georgia, contact the GBB office in Macon at 478-474-1815. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of …
Florida Beef Council Pleased with E-Commerce Campaign
The Florida Beef Council (FBC) took part in an e-commerce campaign late last year to promote beef during the Christmas holiday period. FBC Director of Education & Promotion, DeAnne Maples, told us the numbers from that campaign recently came in and they exceeded their expectations. For more information, contact the Florida Beef Council in Kissimmee. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Alabama Cattlemen in Washington D.C. This Week
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is hosting their annual Fly-in Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. this week. It’s an opportunity for producers from across the country to advocate for the beef cattle industry. And according to Erin Beasley, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) executive vice president, ACA members are on hand to represent the state of Alabama. The 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) overall winner will be …
Florida Lawmakers Working to Finalize the Budget
Florida lawmakers will be working this week to finalize the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to end next week. Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, explains what should happen this week, and also provides an update on what is known as the Tax Exempt Ag Materials, or TEAM card. The new fiscal …
Around the State with Commissioner Pate
In this week’s “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, we are talking about the fact it’s the time of the year when many farmers are preparing to apply fertilizer on warm season forages. Commissioner, I understand you wanted to share with our listeners about how the department assures the quality of the fertilizer they are purchasing. That’s …