Week five of the Florida Legislative session kicks off this week, and both the Senate and House, of course, have already released their prospective budgets for the upcoming fiscal year that starts July 1. The Senate proposed a $92.8 billion budget while the House proposed a $91.3 billion budget. The $1.5 billion difference includes funding amounts for the environment, education, …
NCBA Unveils Top Policy Priorities For 2020
(NCBA) — The Executive Committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) approved the organization’s top 2020 Policy Priorities. Approval came at the annual Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Like last year, NCBA’s top policy priorities include issues related to international trade, proper regulation of fake meat, and regulatory reform, although after a series of significant policy victories …
Secretary Perdue on President Trump’s State of the Union Address
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address: “Tonight, President Trump’s State of the Union address showcased our country’s relentless optimism and his vision of brighter days that lie ahead. The President has rural America and agriculture close to his heart and has kept his promises …
Commissioner Nikki Fried, Lawmakers Blast Office of Energy “Power Grab”
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried was joined by state lawmakers to strongly oppose a House Agriculture and Natural Resource Subcommittee bill, PCB ANR 20-01, which would move the Office of Energy from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Fried was joined by Senator Kevin Rader and Representative Javier Fernandez …
Budget Discussed in Georgia Legislature
Week two of the 2020 session for the Georgia General Assembly was mostly about the budget. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President, Will Bentley, looks at a few of the budget issues, and how some of those will affect various aspects of agriculture in the state. To keep track of activities during the 2020 Legislative Session and to learn more about …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on 2020 Legislative Priorities
(FDACS) — Today marks the start of Florida’s annual 60-day legislative session. Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried released a video highlighting a number of her top legislative priorities for the 2020 session. Following a highly successful first legislative session, Commissioner Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services look forward to additional legislative successes in 2020. Improving Concealed Weapons Licensing: The bills, SB 1566 by Senator …
Alabama Cattlemen Ready for Legislative Session
The 2020 Alabama Legislative Session starts Feb. 4, but the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) is already looking ahead to the annual event. ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley notes this is why membership in the association is so important. Beasley will be watching the legislative session from the cattle industry perspective. The annual Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Trade Show …
Georgia Senator Joins Ag Committee
It was announced this week that Georgia Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler will replace Republican David Perdue on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Loeffler, an Illinois native who grew up on a family farm, was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Johnny Isakson. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after …
DeSantis Likely to Get Environmental Money in Session
(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis appears poised for a victory as he seeks environmental money to combat water-quality problems that plague the state. DeSantis’ $625 million request for the upcoming legislative session includes money for Everglades restoration, fighting toxic algae outbreaks and boosting the Florida Forever land-preservation program, all issues popular among lawmakers and environmentalists. The proposal is the second …
Important Deadline Reminders
Tyron Spearman has information about some important deadlines that growers need to be aware of. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Unique Opportunity For Applied ResearchOctober 24, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role in Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025