In Fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supported more than 23,000 climate-focused conservation contracts funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. Those investments covered over 11 million acres, which contributed to the highest total investment in private lands conservation in any year in the history of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest …
USDA to Provide Assistance for Distressed Farm Loan Borrowers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced approximately $300 million in assistance to help distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers under Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act. Over the past two years, USDA acted swiftly to assist distressed borrowers in retaining their land and continuing their agricultural operations. This is expected to provide assistance to over 12,800 …
Ten Percent Fewer U.S. Farms From 2012-2022
The 2022 Census of Agriculture showed the U.S. had 1,900,487 farms, down from over 2,100,000 in 2012. That represented a ten percent drop, or 208,816 farms, in ten years. The Census of Ag is conducted every five years, and the last two five-year periods saw the number of farms decrease in all four farm size categories from 2012-2017. The smallest …
FDACS Accepting Applications for RFLPP
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced that applications are now being accepted from landowners for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). The program partners with farmers and ranchers through rural lands protection easements to preserve working agricultural operations that contribute to Florida’s economy and produce our food and fiber. “Florida’s working agricultural lands are not just fields …
Deadline Nearing for Input on Climate Benefits of Conservation Practice Standards
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been accepting public input on how to improve conservation practice standards to maximize climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits, as supported by peer-reviewed scientific literature. But if you have yet to provide input, it is due by December 23, 2024. Conservation practices providing climate benefits are delivered through existing NRCS conservation programs popular with producers, …
Congress Advances Farm Bill Extension and Aid Package
Congress is working to finalize a year-end government funding package that includes a one-year extension of the farm bill and billions of dollars in economic and disaster assistance. This bipartisan move aims to address challenges in the declining farm economy and support agricultural communities recovering from recent natural disasters. The proposed package, titled the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief …
Almost All U.S. Farms are Family-Owned
The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) 2024 edition of America’s Farms and Ranches at a Glance says most U.S. farms (86 percent) are small family farms. These farms operate on 41 percent of U.S. agricultural land and account for 17 percent of the total value of American production. Large-scale family farms accounted for 48 percent of the total value of production and 31 percent …
Governor, Cabinet Approve Protection of Over 62,000 Acres of Working Florida Farms, Ranches
Historic Vote Boosts Preservation Inventory by 50%, Protecting Florida’s Agricultural Future (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Dec. 17, 2024) — The Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, approved the preservation of over 62,000 acres of working Florida farms and ranches through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The …
FDACS Announces Preservation of Two Florida Family Farms
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced the preservation of two Florida farms through their Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). Adams Farm, a 1,687-acre farm located in Walton and Holmes counties, and Triple S Ranch, an 806-acre farm in Citrus County, are being preserved through rural lands protection easements for $2,275,200 and $3,392,000. Adams Farms, Inc. is a …
USDA to Enhance Support for Farmers with Increased Replant Payments
The USDA is bolstering support for farmers facing crop setbacks by announcing an increase in replant payments for most producers beginning with the 2026 crop year. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to farmers who need to replant insured crops damaged by early insurable causes of loss. The enhancement in replant payments underscores the Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) commitment …










