NCBA Working on Various Issues for Cattle Producers

Dan Cattle, Legislative, Regulation

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recently sent letters to producers across the country discussing the challenging year that many have faced. This includes the threat of tax hikes, to the uncertainty around the Water of the United States (WOTUS) and many more issues. During the recent Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Convention Mary Bea Halimeh, director of membership and affiliated services for NCBA, …

DeSantis Says Water Bill ‘Much Different’

Dan Florida, Legislative, Regulation, Water, WOTUS Act

(NSF) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said a controversial environmental bill is “dramatically” improved from when he severely criticized the measure during the middle of the legislative session. The Senate voted 33-0 and the House voted 99-8 on Monday to approve the budget-related bill (SB 2508) as they finished the session. While DeSantis wouldn’t say whether he will sign the bill, …

Georgia Right to Farm Bill Passes in the House

Dan Georgia, Legislative, Regulation

Week eight of the 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session has been another busy one for lawmakers, but a good one for agriculture. As Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley explains, the Right to Farm Bill did pass in the House. To keep track of any of the bills during the 2022 legislative session, go to the Georgia Agribusiness Council website. Sponsored …

Florida Senate Backs Effort to Expand Broadband?

Dan Florida, High-Speed Internet/Broadband, Legislative, Regulation, Technology

The Florida Senate on Thursday (Mar. 3, 2022) unanimously passed a proposal that would create a framework to help expand broadband into underserved areas. Linked bills (SB 1800 and SB 1802), sponsored by Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, would establish a program to replace poles to help extend broadband. Sen. Loranne Ausley, a Tallahassee Democrat whose district includes sprawling rural areas, …

Florida Lawmakers Hoping to Finalize Budget Issues

Dan Cattle, Economy, Florida, Legislative, Regulation

As Florida lawmakers continue to finalize many issues in week eight of the Florida Legislative Session, the budget continues to be the major topic of discussion. According to Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs Sam Ard, negotiators from both the House and Senate have been working out some of the high profile spending issues in what is being described as a …

Updates on Packers and Stockyards Act Rule Amendments

Dan Beef, Cattle, Legislative, Marketing, Regulation, USDA-AMS

Last June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they were beginning work on proposed rules to support enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, the 100-year old law that was originally designed to protect poultry and hog farmers and cattle ranchers from unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive practices in the meat markets. This week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered the latest …

Chlorpyrifos Tolerances for Food Crops Expires Feb. 28

Dan Field Crops, Legislative, Peanuts, Regulation

While several agricultural groups did file a suit in federal court earlier this month seeking to block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from prohibiting the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on food crops, producers are being reminded the tolerances for the insecticide expires today, February  28. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, …

Right to Farm Bill in Georgia Moves On

Dan Farm Bill, Georgia, Legislative, Regulation

Week seven of the 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session was another busy one for lawmakers, but it was an exciting week for agriculture. At least that’s according to Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley. He talks about an issue they’ve been watching closely and where it currently stands. To keep track of any of the bills during the 2022 …

Environmental Changes Teed Up for Florida Budget Talks

Dan Environment, Florida, Irrigation, Lake Okeechobee, Legislative, Regulation, Water, Wetland

(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/Feb. 22, 2022) — A controversial environmental bill the Senate massaged last week after outcries from Everglades activists, fishing guides and Gov. Ron DeSantis is ready to become part of budget talks with the House. With little comment, the House on Tuesday, took up the bill (SB 2508) and nine other Senate measures and positioned them for negotiations that will …