Farmers are expressing concern over the lack of a new farm bill in the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The monthly survey in November asked producers how concerned they were regarding the farm bill. 75 percent of respondents said they were either somewhat or very concerned about the lack of a new farm bill with 33 percent of …
Announced China Ag Purchases Lack Details
Agriculture eagerly awaits any details regarding increased purchases of U.S. ag products by China. President Trump over the weekend said following a discussion with China that the nation “will be buying massive amounts of product from us,” promising an “incredibly positive impact on farming.” Politico reports, however, there is no guarantee China will hold its end of the bargain, as …
UF/IFAS Extension to Help Teach Updated Farm Safety
Farm workers can learn updated safety rules from faculty with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension and others at a Dec. 18 conference in Sebring. UF/IFAS Extension faculty from several Central Florida counties – including Highlands, Hardee and Palm Beach — will work with emergency management officials to teach agricultural safety to farm laborers, said …
Florida Hurricane Michael Relief Fund
Families in North Florida have suffered unprecedented losses due to Hurricane Michael. In response, Florida Farm Bureau has created a relief fund that will help North Florida farm families recovering from agricultural-related losses from the storm. Applications are now open for farmers and ranchers in North Florida who have been impacted by Hurricane Michael. Applications are limited to North Florida agriculture …
No House Votes; Farm Bill Delayed
On Monday, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said the House of Representatives will not hold any votes this week due to the mourning and funeral for the late President George H.W. Bush. The announcement means the farm bill will not move forward this week, and the conference report that was expected early this week is now anticipated early next week, …
Secretary Perdue announces new OneUSDA Internship Program
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the “OneUSDA Internship” opportunity for Summer 2019. As part of the Federal Pathways Program, the OneUSDA Internship will provide students a way to explore serving their country through a career in government while gaining work experience in agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and other career fields. “The improvements we’re making to internships at …
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in Alabama
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and private nonprofit organizations located in Alabama as a result of rainfall and flooding from April 1 through June 30, 2018. The loans are available in the following counties: Colbert, Franklin, Lamar, Lauderdale, Marion, Mobile, …
Long-Time NRCS Employee Retiring
Here at Southeast AgNet, we’ve worked with many employees of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) over the years. But after serving in various positions over the past few decades, one of those employees will soon retire. Leonard Jordan has spent almost two years as NRCS acting chief, but recently told Randall Weiseman his time with the agency will end …
Gingrich, Ivey Address Farmers at Annual Meeting
Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich told tales of politics, President Donald Trump and predictions for the next election cycle to over 1,200 farmers in Montgomery, Alabama, on Dec. 3. Gingrich’s keynote address concluded two days of business sessions and awards presentations during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 97th annual meeting. “Tension is building because it is …
Secretary Perdue Names NRCS Chief
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of Matthew J. “Matt” Lohr to serve as Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In his role, Lohr will provide leadership for NRCS and its mission to support America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in their voluntary conservation efforts through a network of over …