The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) held its annual strategic planning conference in Tucson, Ariz. Last week. During the election of officers for 2024-25, Steve Hanson, a rancher and cattle feeder from Elsie, Neb. became the new USMEF chair. And according to a story from Rusty Halvorson, he is a believer in the checkoff programs and how they help USMEF conduct their …
Georgia NRCS Reminder of EQIP Sign-Up Due to Hurricane Helene
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) wants to remind livestock producers affected by Hurricane Helene that signup continues for a new Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in 55 counties. Those producers applying for Hurricane Helene EQIP related assistance will need to apply by Friday, November 15th to ensure timely use of special funds made available due to the storm. This Hurricane Helene EQIP related sign-up …
USDA NASS, NRCS Gathering Info on Conservation Practices
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has been reaching out to almost 12,000 farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners nationwide, which includes just over 200 of those being from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. This effort is to gather in-depth information about the conservation practices they use through the 2024 Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) survey. …
Florida Beef Council Sponsors Presentation to College Students
The Florida Beef Council (FBC) recently sponsored a presentation to college students. FBC Director of Beef Marketing and Promotion, DeAnne Maples, explains where this took place and who took part in it. For more information about Beef Checkoff activities in Florida, contact the FBC office in Kissimmee. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Alabama Young Cattlemen Take Part in Educational Trip
Thanks to the Alabama Beef Checkoff program, a group of young cattlemen were able to take an educational trip to Oklahoma. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Director of Field Services, Reid McGuire, explains what this trip was all about. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers Efforts Important to Cattle Producers in FloridaDecember 12, …
USDA Seeks Public Input on Climate Benefits of Conservation Practice Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input on how to improve conservation practice standards to maximize climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits, as supported by peer-reviewed scientific literature. Conservation practices providing climate benefits are delivered through existing USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation programs popular with producers, like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Regional …
Georgia Cotton Harvests Delayed by Rainfall Last Week
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia Cotton Team advise growers to take advantage of the dry weather conditions when possible to finish harvesting this year’s crop. Much of South Georgia observed the first measurable rainfall recorded since Hurricane Helene last week. It delayed harvesting progress, says Camp Hand, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension cotton agronomist. …
Increase in Red Meat Exports
Last week, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) released the September numbers concerning exports of U.S. pork and beef. And according to a story from Rusty Halvorson, they were higher year-over-year. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says momentum in September for pork was driven by gains in Mexico, Central America, Australia and the Philippines. “So I think really the theme on …
$5.9 Million Awarded to Alabama Projects that Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
(USDA-AMS/WASHINGTON, D.C./Oct. 8, 2024) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced it has partnered with Alabama to award $5.9 million for six projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing this project has been essential …
USMEF Holding Strategic Planning Conference
Members of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) are in Tucson, Arizona, this week for their annual Strategic Planning Conference. As attendees gather to discuss key initiatives and industry strategies, organizers might want to consider the use of badge scanners for conferences like these. Badge scanners could streamline check-ins, enhance networking opportunities, and provide valuable data for future event planning. Rusty Halvorson …










