secretary

USDA Secretary Announces Aid Plan at Commodity Classic

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed farmers attending Commodity Classic in Denver earlier this week and outlined the USDA’s plan to distribute $30 billion in economic and disaster relief. She also met with leaders from the corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum industries. Rollins called the current farm economy one of the worst in a century but expressed optimism for improvement. …

government regulations

NPPC President Testifies before Senate Ag Committee

Last week the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) president testified before the Senate Committee on Agriculture. While she touched on various issues, Rusty Halvorson reports trade issues and ongoing market access with tariff concerns was one of the top ones. Stevermer also discussed California Proposition 12, a state law that prohibits the sale of uncooked whole pork meat from hogs born to sows raised …

crop insurance

Crop Insurance Deadlines Nearing

The USDA reminds agricultural producers that the final dates to apply for or make changes to their existing crop insurance coverage is approaching for spring planted crops. While one closing date has already passed, the remaining major closing dates are March 15 and April 15. The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) lists the closing dates in the Actuarial Information Brower under the …

disaster assistance

Congressional Leaders on Importance of Disaster Relief

We told you last week that Congressional leaders sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins hoping the Agriculture Department will get disaster relief out to farmers soon. Tyron Spearman has more information about that letter and the importance of this relief. During the recent Ag Outlook Forum, Secretary Rollins told those in attendance that the U.S. farm economy is dire, and she …

egg prices

USDA Invests Up To $1 Billion to Combat Avian Flu and Reduce Egg Prices

Secretary Rollins rolls out a robust strategy to deliver affordable eggs (USDA/Washington, D.C./Feb. 26, 2025) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a $1 billion-dollar comprehensive strategy to curb highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), protect the U.S. poultry industry, and lower egg prices. This is in addition to funding already being provided to indemnify growers for depopulated flocks. As …

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Installs New President

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) installed Keith Glover as the new President at the 2025 ACA Convention in Birmingham Alabama. President Glover spoke with Southeast AgNet’s Dale Sandlin and highlighted what he was looking forward to the most in the upcoming year. President Glover also reflected on how he first became a member of ACA and why it was important …

Ag Outlook Forum Coming This Week

The annual Ag Outlook Forum will be held this week. Mark Oppold has a preview of this year’s event. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026

Florida Farm Bill

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Highlights 2025 Florida Farm Bill

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. …

deforestation

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. …

EQIP

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 …