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 …
New Grant Programs for Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of up to $125 million through two new grant programs. They will create more options for meat and poultry farmers by investing in independent, local meat and poultry processing projects that increase competition and enhance the resiliency of the food supply chain. As Rod Bain reports, applications for the programs …
NCBA Files Comments on USDA Traceability Rule
Wednesday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) filed comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed rule “Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison” to emphasize the importance of electronic animal identification to protect the cattle industry from the threat of a foreign animal disease. USDA’s proposed rule would apply to cattle 18-months or older only when moving interstate. “An …
GCC Agrees with USDA Estimates on Predicted Cotton Acreage
By Clint Thompson It is planting season for Georgia’s cotton producers. The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and executive director Taylor Sills believe the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) preseason estimates should be close to accurate on what the state’s acreage will look like this year. “The USDA came out with their planting intentions report (recently) and they have Georgia at …
USDA Seeking Applications to Expand Conservation Assistance to Underserved Producers
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds farmers and ranchers they are seeking applications for projects that will improve outreach to underserved producers. Specifically, USDA wants to improve outreach about conservation programs and services and opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. NRCS is offering up to $70 million in cooperative agreements with entities for …
NPPC Second Quarter Economic Update
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) released its second quarter pork industry economic update that provides a snapshot of top pork industry issues, current trends, and market conditions impacting pig farmers. Some of the key takeaways include: “The United States is a worldwide leader in pork production and a significant contributor to the U.S. economy,” shared Duane Stateler, NPPC vice president and …
Conservation Easement Program Sign-up for Florida Landowners is Underway
Florida landowners interested in aligning their land uses with conservation values have an opportunity to apply for a conservation easement program in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida (NRCS-FL) and the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT). Applications are now being accepted for the fiscal year 2023 NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). U.S. held easements will be accepted and evaluated by NRCS …
USDA Invests in Cooperative Agreements for Conservation on Grazing Lands
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $12 million in cooperative agreements for 49 projects that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. The funding is provided through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). These projects have identified barriers to accessing grazing assistance for producers and …
Grazing Lands Conservation Technical Assistance
USDA recently awarded projects funding to expand technical assistance within cooperative agreements under its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). Rod Bain has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement …