The 2019 Florida legislative session wrapped up Saturday afternoon in Tallahassee as the budget was the last major piece of business for lawmakers. Sam Ard, Florida Cattlemen’s Association director of governmental affairs, said they did pretty good in the end. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of the Florida Beef CouncilNovember 21, 2025Florida Senator Shares Origins …
Is Florida Agriculture Under Attack by State Political Leaders?
by Gary Cooper As Florida lawmakers return home from a frustrating legislative session for Florida’s agriculture industry, the state’s farmers and ranchers wonder where they stand in a political environment that is much different than years past. Florida’s population continues to grow with about 1,000 new residents daily, with no end in sight. The negative environmental impacts from this historic …
Alabama Cattlemen Tracking Various Bills
The 2019 Alabama legislative session just passed the half-way point, with various bills of importance to agriculture still being discussed. Erin Beasley, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association executive vice president, says there are various legislative issues continuing to be tracked. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of the Florida Beef CouncilNovember 21, 2025Florida Senator Shares Origins of …
Senators David Perdue and Rick Scott: Families Can’t Wait Any Longer for Disaster Relief
“Together, we should demonstrate to the American people that in times of natural disasters, Washington can still work.” U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to Democrat senators in states impacted by natural disasters urging them to immediately pass disaster relief funding, which has been stalled by political obstruction. It’s been 208 days since Hurricane …
Ten Big Issues from the 2019 Session
Florida lawmakers finished the 2019 legislative session Saturday by passing a budget for the upcoming year. During the two-month session, lawmakers considered hundreds of bills and made more than $90 billion in spending decisions. It also was the first session for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and began the two-year terms of Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, and House Speaker Jose …
Lawmakers Sign Off on Budget as Session Ends
Florida’s Republican-dominated Legislature quickly put the finishing touches on a record $91.1 billion spending plan Saturday, meeting numerous requests from freshman Gov. Ron DeSantis. While declaring “great wins for conservatives,” along with environmental protections that should appeal to Democrats, the governor said he intends to use his line-item veto power but didn’t specify what spending he might target. “It’s going …
Half-way Through Alabama Legislative Session
The 2019 Alabama Legislative Session has now officially reached the half-way point. But as Executive Director of the Alabama Agribusiness Council Leigha Cauthen notes, there is still plenty of time for bills of interest to agriculture to see some action. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of the Florida Beef CouncilNovember 21, 2025Florida Senator Shares Origins of …
NAP Buy-Up Coverage Now Available
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to remind producers that higher levels of coverage are available through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee waivers for qualified military veterans interested in obtaining NAP coverage. NAP provides financial assistance to producers of commercial …
Florida Legislature Expected to Wrap Session up Saturday
Florida lawmakers are expected to vote sometime Saturday afternoon on what ended up being a $91.1 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. According to the News Service of Florida, the budget was distributed at 1:32 p.m. Wednesday, triggering the start of a constitutionally required 72-hour “cooling off” period before the House and Senate can vote on …
Rubio Joins Sasse, Colleagues in Reintroducing Livestock Haulers Legislation
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) in reintroducing the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act. Currently, overly strict trucking regulations from the Department of Transportation require mandatory rest time that put livestock at risk, especially during summer or winter months. This bipartisan legislation would give American agriculture the flexibility to safely transport livestock. “Florida’s livestock and …