FDACS Announces Preservation of Florida Family Farm Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/July 31, 2024) — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of a Florida family farm through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. An approximately 1,449-acre portion of the Canaan Ranch, a 3,040-acre working tree farm in Gilchrist County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement …

farm loan

Non-Real Estate Loan Activity Higher in 2024

As commodity prices have continued to drop, many producers may face economic losses with less balance sheet resiliency. The economists at Agricultural Economic Insights (AEI) say recent loan data revealed that farmers utilized more non-real estate debt in early 2024.  In the first quarter of the year, total non-real estate debt was 14 percent higher than in 2023. AEI says …

quarterly

Pork Industry Impact on U.S. Economy

Despite some challenges this year, the U.S. pork industry remains an important contributor to the nation’s economy.  National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), released its latest Economic Impact Report featuring new data on the U.S. pork industry’s contributions to the national economy. “It’s an interesting report because we look not just at the farm level, but we estimate the impact that arises …

farmers adjust

How Farmers Adjust Spending During Low Commodity Prices

History does repeat itself, especially in agricultural cycles. Rabobank put together a report on how farmers adjust input spending when commodity prices drop. It explores the responsiveness of input volume and price to farm profitability in America, forming a view of how the current downturn will impact the input marketplace through next year.  For example, the report says farm machinery …

producers

Forest and Grazing Questionnaires are Due July 28

For forest and grazing landowners across the Southeast that received a questionnaire concerning conservation practices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind you the completed questionnaires need to be returned by July 28th.  The Conservation Practice Adoption Motivations Survey (CPAMS) is a combined effort by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). They are looking to gather information to better understand …

cotton

Cotton Condition Improving, Peanuts Ahead of Pace

Rain in some of the major cotton growing areas has helped the overall crop. According to USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey, the condition of the cotton crop is improving. And Rippey has the latest on the peanut crop. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statics Service (NASS), this is how the cotton and peanut crops were progressing across the Southeast as of this past Sunday: In …

finalists

Georgia FFA Member is an American Star Farmer Finalist

The National FFA Organization has announced the 16 finalists for its 2024 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience.  The American Star Awards represent the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. The award recognizes FFA members who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and …

farm bill

Questionnaires Being Sent Concerning Forest and Grazing Conservation Practices

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) started mailing questionnaires in an effort to get a better understanding of forest and grazing conservation practices.  It’s a combined effort by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The project is called the Conservation Practice Adoption Motivations Survey (CPAMS) and is being mailed to 43,000 forest and grazing landowners and managers across the nation. …

farmer sentiment

Farmer Sentiment Drifts Lower

In June, farmer sentiment drifted lower as high input costs, the risk of lower prices for their products, and rising interest rates continue to weigh on farmers.  According to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, last month’s reading of 105 was 3 points lower than in May. The overall decline in sentiment was due to a 5-point drop in the …