The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today released his roadmap for the 2018 farm bill, and it is a good one for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The secretary’s farm bill principles look to the future while securing the present for farmers and ranchers who continue to face a …
Perdue Announces USDA’s Farm Bill and Legislative Principles for 2018
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Bill and Legislative Principles for 2018 during a town hall at Reinford Farms in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. “Since my first day as the Secretary of Agriculture, I’ve traveled to 30 states, listening to the people of American agriculture about what is working and what is not. The conversations …
Senate Votes to End Government Shutdown
Senate leaders have reached an agreement to end the government shutdown, passing a bill to fund the government until February 8th. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer agreed to end a filibuster on the spending bill, in exchange for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s word that the Senate will begin debating immigration by the day the short-term spending bill expires. The Senate vote …
Farmers Union Releases Priorities for Farm Bill
Urges Increased Funding for Farm Safety Net Given the persistent and ongoing economic challenges in farming and rural economies, National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on Congress to increase funding for farm programs in the farm bill and pass the legislation as soon as possible. The NFU Board of Directors recently passed a resolution to this effect, outlining requirements for a farm …
Senate Taking Up Florida Forever
The Florida Senate on Wednesday is expected to take up a bill that would set aside $100 million a year for the Florida Forever program. According to a story from the News Service of Florida, that bill was among nine that the Senate Special Order Calendar Group on Monday scheduled to go to the full Senate during a Wednesday floor …
Congressman Calls Tax Reform Positive for Farmers
Congressman Rodney Davis said he had Illinois farmers in mind when voting on Tax Reform Legislation. The Republican says the recent changes are a positive for farmers and will help lessen their financial risk. Tax When asked about the status of the 2018 Farm Bill, Congressman Davis said he expects Farm Bill debates to begin in early February. Farm Bill …
Secretary Perdue Outlines USDA Services in the Event of a Government Shutdown
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today outlined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) services available in the event of a government shutdown. “USDA is committed to safeguarding life and property through the critical services we provide – and should the government shut down, we will continue to do just that,” said Secretary Perdue. “I am proud of each USDA employee …
An Update on the Farm Bill
Robert Redding, an attorney representing agriculture groups in Washington, D.C., recently gave a federal regulation update presentation during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. His talk included the topic of the upcoming farm bill. Farm bill leaders, House Ag Chairman Mike Conaway and Senate Ag Chairman Pat Roberts, wanted to have the bill finished by the …
Cotton Farm Bill Program in the Works, Long Road Ahead
Support for cotton growers is in the works, albeit a slow process. The National Cotton Council’s Jody Campiche, director of economics and policy, says getting a farm bill program established is a top priority for the sector. Program Long-term, Campiche says a seed cotton program is the council’s preference. Preference She says cotton growers need more support. While prices for …
Florida Rep. Raburn Pleased to See Cattlemen
During the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Legislative Quarterly meeting and visits with legislators in Tallahassee this week, Southeast AgNet was able to get a few quick comments from State Representative Jake Raburn. He represents Florida District 57 in Hillsborough County, and is the Vice Chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee in the Florida House. He discusses a bill he …