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 …
Farm Bill Status Update: Dairy Programs to Open Soon
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 …
Alabama Legislature Moving on General Fund
More bills of interest to agriculture were discussed this week during the 2019 Alabama legislative session. Leigha Cauthen, executive director of the Alabama Agribusiness Council, notes the general fund has passed out of the House. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts …
USDA Update on Farm Bill Implementation Progress
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 …
Cattlemen Launch Final Push for Public Comment on New Water Rule
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 …
Livestock Market Owners Visit Capitol Hill
D.C. policy leaders learned about issues affecting the livestock marketing industry and participated in a mock auction during Livestock Marketing Association’s (LMA) Washington D.C. Fly In. World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, Jared Miller, auctioned pies during Hill staff briefings for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Legislative staff gained a better understanding of how the auction method of selling drives …
Bills to Eliminate Florida Constitution Revision Commission
Due to the large number of amendments on the November 2018 Florida ballot, some have questioned the ease of how initiatives can be put on the ballot, and the fact that some cover various issues. The Florida Cattlemen’s Association and others in agriculture are backing bills currently in both the state House and Senate dealing with the Constitution Revision Commission. …
Pork Producers to Lobby Congress
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) will host its spring Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C. April 10-11. The biannual fly-in brings in more than 100 pork producers from around the country to meet with members of Congress to discuss issues of importance to the U.S. pork industry. At the top of the list this year is the importance of maintaining and …
Florida Ag Commissioner Urges Support for Fresh From Florida Budget
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried urges Florida farmers to make their voices heard now during this tough year for agriculture program funding. She says state lawmakers are debating key budget items between House and Senate versions that could leave some department programs woefully underfunded. One area of big concern right now is the popular Fresh From Florida marketing program. In …
Negotiations Continue in Congress on Stalled Disaster Bill
Many involved with agriculture in the Southeast are disappointed Congress has yet to pass a disaster relief package to help those trying to recover from Hurricane Michael. But according to a story from Gary Crawford, lawmakers are continuing negotiations on a supplemental disaster bill. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …