The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been busy working with agricultural producers and landowners affected by the recent hurricanes. USDA Undersecretary Robert Bonnie has been across the Southeast and is spending time touring some of the areas of Florida yesterday and today that were affected by Hurricane Milton. He talked to Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman about the damage he has seen …
Automation Takes Center Stage at FIRA USA Event
The FIRA USA conference is an annual event focused on agricultural robotics and automation, bringing together experts, growers, and tech innovators to explore the latest advancements in ag tech. Held this year at the Yolo County Fairgrounds near Sacramento, California, the event highlights solutions designed to improve efficiency and sustainability, particularly for specialty crop production. Paul Welbig, Director of Precision …
Florida Farmland Preserved through RFLPP
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced the preservation of Florida farmland through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). Nearly 750 acres of the Pelaez and Sons, Inc. cow/calf operation in Okeechobee County is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $2,675,000. Pelaez and Sons, Inc. is a family owned and operated cow/calf operation raising …
Four Start-ups Advance in 2025 Ag Innovation Challenge
Four start-up companies have advanced to the final round of the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, competing for a top prize of $100,000. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, hosts the annual contest to highlight entrepreneurship in agriculture. “This competition helps entrepreneurs grow their ideas into products that support farmers and ranchers in their …
USDA Releases Interim Report on Meat Industry Practices
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its Interim Report: Competition and Fair Practices in Meat Merchandising. The report aims to assess how retail concentration and business practices affect competition in the food sector, with a focus on the meat industry—especially beef. This report follows President Biden’s 2021 Executive Order No. 14036, which directed federal agencies to promote fair …
Competition in the Livestock Markets
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced more steps to deliver on the President’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy to promote fair and competitive markets for American farmers and ranchers, and lower food prices for American families. USDA published an interim report that assesses competitive conditions in the meat retail industry. The report draws on over 1,600 comments received …
USDA Unveils New Actions to Boost Fair Markets and Lower Food Prices
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced more steps to deliver on the President’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy to promote fair and competitive markets for American farmers and ranchers, and lower food prices for American families. USDA published an interim report that assesses competitive conditions in the meat retail industry. The report draws on …
USDA Responding to Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities, homes, farms and businesses across parts of the Southeast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has deployed staff to assist with response and recovery efforts. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of …
USDA Seeks U.S. Food Producers for Virtual Trade Event
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is inviting qualified U.S. food producers to participate in the North American Neighbors 2024 Virtual Trade Event (VTE) on December 3-4, 2024. Companies with a minimum of $1 million in sales are eligible to apply. The event will focus on helping U.S. businesses explore export opportunities, particularly in Canada, which is the largest market …
Georgia Lawmakers Call for Swift Assistance after Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, representatives from Georgia’s congressional delegation are rallying to provide support for the state’s agricultural community, which has faced catastrophic losses. The hurricane, which swept through the Southeast, has left farmers and agricultural operations in dire straits, and officials are calling for swift federal assistance. Representative Austin Scott, who represents Georgia’s 8th congressional district, has …










