A Third of Forest Land in the U.S. is Held by Family Landowners, Who Find Limited Options Following Loss of Timber to Natural Disasters U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the Forest Recovery Act (S.1687), which would amend the U.S. tax code to establish a special rule for losses of uncut timber …
U.S. House Does Not Pass Disaster-Relief Package
It was over 7½ months ago that the Category 5 Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Florida Panhandle before moving through parts of Alabama and Georgia. On Thursday, the U.S. Senate finally passed a $19.1 billion disaster relief package in an 85-8 vote, which would provide disaster-aid funding to various parts of the U.S. not only because of hurricanes, but …
Alabama Lawmakers Nearing End of Session
With Alabama lawmakers working to wrap up the 2019 legislative session, efforts on the budget took place this week. Leigha Cauthen, executive director of the Alabama Agribusiness Council, has an update on the budget and on a bill of interest to rural Alabama. The Alabama Agribusiness Council provides an interactive bill tracker with links to bill text, sponsor information and …
Alabama Cattlemen Pleased with Passage of Bill
The 2019 Alabama legislative session is nearing the end, but this week a bill being tracked closely by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) passed and is headed to the governor’s desk. ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley has more information about HB 518. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
After Tariffs are Removed, What’s Next for USMCA?
The tariffs on Canadian and Mexican steel and aluminum imports are history, removing a key barrier to ratifying the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). However, Democrats are still not close to giving full support to the Trump Administration’s biggest trade victory. Agri-Pulse says Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says, “There are still many other issues that are outstanding before Democrats would …
Nikki Fried Urges Immediate Action by U.S. Senate on Disaster Relief
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried urged the U.S. Senate to take immediate action on long-overdue Hurricane Michael relief. With both chambers set to adjourn on Friday until June 3, Fried asked senators to send a bipartisan disaster assistance package to the President’s desk before the end of the week. The U.S. House passed a bipartisan disaster bill on May 10. …
Alabama Lawmakers Moving Ag Bills Along
Alabama lawmakers met again this past week to discuss a variety of bills, including some of interest to agriculture. Executive director of the Alabama Agribusiness Council, Leigha Cauthen, updates where some of those currently stand. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, …
NRCS Announces Changes to Strengthen Technical Input
Last week, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced they are expanding the technical input in program development and technical services in their program delivery. The 2018 Farm Bill made several changes expanding the membership on the State Technical Committee and expanding the avenues through which technical service providers can be certified. Other changes include the administration of the, Watershed Protection and …
Florida Legislative Session Pretty Good for Cattlemen
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 Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That …
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 …