Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has shared his appreciation for the federal disaster declaration for the recent freeze event. The USDA Disaster Declaration signed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will provide support for Florida agriculture producers impacted by freeze effects. Commissioner Simpson said, “I appreciate President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for always …
Over Half the US Impacted by Drought According to USDA
Much of the Southeast is currently dealing with drought conditions and USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey shares further details on how drought is impacting the rest of the country. Rippey said, “Drought coverage approaching 55% in early March. The last two weeks represent the first time since November 2024, more than a year ago, that we have seen U.S. drought coverage greater than …
UGA Provides Insights for Pastures Amidst Cold Weather
Cattle producers are wondering what might become of their pastures after recent cold weather across the state. We caught up with Dr. Lisa Baxter with the University of Georgia to learn more. Baxter said, “The big question that I’m getting right now with this not unseemly cold weather, but man it has been prolonged to say the least, is are my …
Florida Commissioner of Ag Announces $3 Billion in Losses Due To Recent Freezes
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that agricultural industry in Florida has sustained more than $3 Billion in total estimated damages due to recent freezes. Commissioner Simpson said, “Our preliminary estimate of over $3 billion in agricultural losses makes clear what we already knew: This was one of the most damaging freeze events for Florida agriculture in history. …
Climate Prediction Center: La Niña Likely to Fade, El Niño May Develop by Summer
The Climate Prediction Center now says the La Niña weather pattern has a 60% chance of fading between now and the end of April. Forecasters also indicate a 60% chance that El Niño conditions could develop and build into summer. For grain producers, shifting Pacific weather patterns can significantly influence spring planting conditions and crop development across key production regions. …
Florida Agriculture Braces for Winter Storm as Simpson Seeks USDA Aid
Florida Agriculture Braces for Rare Winter Storm As a powerful winter storm—forecast as a potential bomb cyclone—moves toward Florida this weekend, state agriculture leaders are warning of significant impacts to farmers and producers across the state. In response, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has formally requested swift federal action to support producers facing potential losses. Simpson Requests USDA Disaster …
How Weather Shaped Early American Agriculture
An American Agriculture History Minute with Mark Oppold Early American farming was never just about the land—it was about the weather. In this American Agriculture History Minute, agricultural historian Mark Oppold explains how climate conditions played a defining role in determining which crops early settlers raised and how regional agriculture developed across the United States. From cooler northern climates to …
Drought Impacts On Cattle and Hay
Southeast Drought Continues to Impact Cattle and Hay Production Despite Recent Rain Although some areas of the Southeast received rain over the weekend, drought conditions continue to challenge producers across much of the region. According to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data from early December shows ongoing stress on both cattle and hay production, even as …
Weather Patterns Trending To La Niña in the Southeast
Climate Prediction Center: 70% Chance of La Niña Through January The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) reports a 70% probability of a La Niña weather pattern developing and continuing through December into January. Historically, La Niña has been associated with colder, snowier winters across the northern U.S. and cooler, drier conditions in the southern regions, including parts of the Southwest and …
Low Water Levels Impact Barge Traffic
Low Water Levels Disrupt Midwest Barge Traffic Again During Harvest 2025 Low water levels on major rivers back in the Midwest will disrupt barge traffic during harvest time for the fourth year in a row. The Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers, among others, have all dropped below the low gauge level again, making grain transport by barge more difficult …










