conservation

Political Wrangling Over Conservation Program Could Exacerbate Florida Algae Issues

Dan Cattle, Environment, Field Crops, Florida, Industry Videos-Promoting Agriculture, Lake Okeechobee, Legislative, Livestock, Specialty Crops, Water

by Gary Cooper In weekend budget talks, lawmakers slash funding for a key land and water conservation program that is vital to restoring Florida’s waterways. Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) is a budget casualty. This program has a 20-year track record of success in preserving green space in perpetuity, while keeping farmland on the tax rolls. Program …

farm groups

Farm Groups Calling for Disaster Relief

Dan Economy, Industry News Release, Legislative

Farm groups and ag lenders are pressing Congress to put aside politics and pass urgently needed disaster relief. Politics has already sidelined $13 billion, including $5 billion for ag disaster aid, in a failed Senate procedural vote this month. Now, 135 farm groups and lenders are calling on the president and lawmakers to stop the politics and help their farmers …

Alabama Agribusiness Council

Slower Pace for Alabama Legislature

Dan Alabama, Legislative

It was somewhat of a slower pace this week during the 2019 Alabama Legislative Session in Montgomery, but action of interest to agriculture did take place Wednesday. Executive Director of the Alabama Agribusiness Council (AAC), Leigha Cauthen, says that was a full day of committee meetings. The Alabama Agribusiness Council provides an interactive bill tracker with links to bill text, …

ncba

Cattlemen Represented at White House Press Conference

Dan Cattle, Legislative

Last Friday, representatives from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) were at the White House for a press conference. President Trump announced his plans for nationwide 5G service, with an emphasis on rural America. One of those attending was NCBA President-Elect Marty Smith, a cattle producer from Wacahoota, Florida. He told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman it was a last minute trip. Along …

farm

2018 Farm Bill Increases Farm Loan Limits

Dan Economy, Farm Bill, Industry News Release

Higher limits are now available for borrowers interested in farm loans from the Department of Agriculture. USDA announced last week the increase would help farmers purchase farms or cover operating expenses. The 2018 Farm Bill increased the amount that producers can borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency, and made changes to other loans, such …

dairy producers

Farm Bill Status Update: Dairy Programs to Open Soon

Dan Dairy, Farm Bill, Industry News Release, Legislative

In an update on the 2019 Farm Bill, the Department of Agriculture has provided target dates for dairy programs. In the announcement, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue stated, “we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” but added USDA is diligently working on completing the process. Specifically relating to dairy in Title One of the farm bill, USDA says …

farm bill

USDA Update on Farm Bill Implementation Progress

Dan Farm Bill, Industry News Release, Legislative

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the implementation status of the 2018 Farm Bill. President Trump signed this Farm Bill into law on December 20th, 2018 and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) promptly began implementation of key programs. USDA held several listening sessions with stakeholders and the public, specific to each agency’s respective mission areas. “At USDA we …

ncba

Cattlemen Launch Final Push for Public Comment on New Water Rule

Dan Cattle, Industry News Release, Legislative, Water

With the deadline to file comments to repeal and replace the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule quickly approaching, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) kicked off a social media campaign aimed at encouraging cattle producers to take action. A series of short digital videos featuring NCBA members will be released on Facebook (@BeefUSA ) and Twitter (@BeltwayBeef) until the comment period officially …