Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson recently highlighted the Florida Farm Bill, specifically the proposal to protect Florida’s ag producers from environmental, social, and governance lending discrimination. Southeast AgNet’s Dale Sandlin has more information. This protection would be provided when lenders determine whether to provide capital to farms. Commissioner Wilton Simpson said, “ESG lending discrimination is an existential threat to American agriculture. …
FL Ag Commissioner Simpson Opposes EU Deforestation Rule
Eighteen state agriculture commissioners, led by Florida Commissioner Wilton Simpson, have urged U.S. lawmakers to push for exemptions to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set to take effect on December 30, 2025. The commissioners argue that the rule, intended to prevent deforestation, would impose unnecessary burdens on the U.S. timber and agricultural industries. In a letter addressed to U.S. …
Learn More about the Various Benefits of EQIP
We’ve talked many times about the various benefits found through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind agricultural producers they can provide financial and technical assistance through EQIP, as it addresses natural resource concerns and delivers a variety of environmental benefits. The first step in learning more is to contact NRCS at your local USDA Service …
U.S. Farmers Staying Optimistic for 2025
U.S. farmers retained their post-election optimistic outlook at the start of 2025 as the January Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose five points above December to 141. The barometer’s rise was primarily attributed to a nine-point rise in the Current Conditions Index. The Index of Future Expectations rose only three points in comparison. Compared to previous surveys, fewer …
More on Senate Ag Committee Hearing
Yesterday, Tyron Spearman provided information about testimony given during a recent U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry hearing. Today he has more details about what was discussed during that hearing. Watch the full hearing here. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement …
USDA Freezes Conservation, Farmer Payments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has frozen some funding for farmers as it goes through a sweeping review, despite assurances from the Trump administration that programs helping farmers wouldn’t be affected during the government overhaul. Reuters says the impact has been wide-ranging, from cash assistance for ranchers to fixing cattle watering systems to help for corn growers wanting to …
Farm Leaders Call for Stronger Farm Bill, Risk Management at Senate Ag Hearing
At a recent Senate Agriculture Committee hearing titled Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part 1, agricultural leaders Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union, urged lawmakers to modernize the Farm Bill and strengthen risk management programs amid economic struggles faced by farmers …
NCBA Announces 2025 Policy Priorities
During the annual Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show this week in San Antonio, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced their 2025 policy priorities. Rusty Halvorson has the story. Some of NCBA’s 2025 Policy Priorities include: Click here to see NCBA’s full priorities list. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement …
USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Conservation Stewardship Program Sign-up
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced a Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) sign-up. Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on previous conservation efforts should apply by March 7 to be included in this funding batch. “Through the Conservation Stewardship Program, our customers continue to raise the bar on their conservation operations,” said Terrance O. Rudolph, state conservationist for NRCS …
Farmers Could Benefit from Biofuels under New Administration
Farmers could get some relief, at least from biofuels, as the new White House, EPA and other agencies start to roll out policies. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is optimistic the new administration will help, not hinder agriculture stuck under the weight of high input costs and low commodity prices. RFA’s Troy Bredenkamp said the ethanol industry expects the president and his …










