(National FFA Organization) – Nine winners of the 2020 Agricultural Proficiency Winners were named during the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo on Tuesday, Oct. 27, which is being held virtually this year. Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students complete in areas ranging …
Commissioner Fried Comments on Florida Request to Assume EPA Responsibilities on Clean Water Act
(FDACS) — On the final day of virtual public hearings on the state of Florida’s request to assume the administration of the Clean Water Act’s Section 404 program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Commissioner Nikki Fried, an independently-elected member of the Florida Cabinet, offered the following: “Just before an election, the DeSantis administration is furthering their relentless drive to consolidate power, seizing authority from the federal government and …
National FFA Announces Winners for National FFA Agriscience Fair
(National FFA Organization) – The National FFA Organization has announced the 2020 National FFA Agriscience Fair winners for Animal and Environmental Services and Natural Resource Systems. The winners were recognized during the first session of the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo, held virtually this year. The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural …
Franklin Middle School FFA of Georgia Named 2020 Middle School Model of Excellence Winner
(National FFA Organization) — Franklin Middle School FFA of Georgia has been named the 2020 Middle School Model of Excellence winner during the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo, being held virtually this year. The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies. These chapters improve their operations using the National Quality …
Livestock Shelters Open in Alabama in Preparation for Tropical Storm Zeta
In response to Tropical Storm Zeta, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has been in contact with our partners to provide a temporary sheltering facility for evacuated livestock including horses and cattle. Animals moving in response to Tropical Storm Zeta will be exempt from a certificate of veterinary inspection. The Alabama A&M Agribition Center located at 4925 Moore’s …
The 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Moving to New Date
(NCBA) — The Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show is one of the industry’s largest events each year, bringing together cattlemen and cattlewomen from across the nation to do the work of our industry. This event is the premier event for the beef cattle business! Unfortunately, the current pandemic presents challenges that make bringing people together in February difficult. …
Cotton Board Appointments Announced by USDA
(CB) – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 13 members, 13 alternate members, and one advisor to serve on The Cotton Board. These appointees will serve three-year terms, ending December 31, 2023. Newly appointed members are: Ben B. Guthrie, Producer – LA; and Thomas Hayes III, Producer – MS. Newly appointed alternate members are: Matthew Cauzza, …
Stabenow Leads Opposition against USDA Decision on Dairy Aid
(NAFB) — Senate Ag Committee Member Debbie Stabenow is leading a group of 15 senators asking Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue to reverse a decision that excluded dairy farmers from getting coronavirus aid for losses from meat produced from breeding animals. The Hagstrom Report says the senators point out that losses from meat produced from breeding animals were included in the …
Fewer Loans Issued to Farmers Limits Overall Lending Activity
The Kansas City Federal Reserve says a slower pace of farm financing activity continued in the third quarter of 2020. The total volume of non-real estate farm loans remained subdued amid ongoing weakness in the ag sector, thanks in part to developments regarding COVID-19. The National Survey of Terms of Lending to Farmers, confirmed by statistical research from same day …
New Rule Makes Enhancements to Environmental Quality Incentives Program
(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the final rule for its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The rule updates USDA’s flagship program as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and integrates feedback from agricultural producers and others. “This final rule enables us to continue helping producers manage their land in the most beneficial ways possible,” said Kevin Norton, acting Chief of USDA’s …