florida

USDA Undersecretary Tours Hurricane Damage in Florida

Dan Florida, Hurricane, USDA

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

Automation Takes Center Stage at FIRA USA Event

Dan Agri-Business, Technology

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

Florida Farmland Preserved through RFLPP

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

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

Four Start-ups Advance in 2025 Ag Innovation Challenge

Dan Agri-Business, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF)

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 …

meat industry

USDA Releases Interim Report on Meat Industry Practices

Dan Agri-Business, Beef, Cattle, Marketing

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 …

cattle market

Competition in the Livestock Markets

Dan Cattle, Marketing

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 …

prices

USDA Unveils New Actions to Boost Fair Markets and Lower Food Prices

Dan Economy, Exports/Imports, Trade

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 …

florida

USDA Responding to Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

Dan Hurricane, USDA

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 …

Virtual Trade Event

USDA Seeks U.S. Food Producers for Virtual Trade Event

Dan Agri-Business, Exports/Imports, Trade

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 …

Hurricane Helene

Georgia Lawmakers Call for Swift Assistance after Hurricane Helene

Sabrina Halvorson Hurricane

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 …