The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose four points in October to 110. The modest improvement in farmer sentiment resulted from farmers’ improved perspective on current conditions on their farms as well as their expectations for the future. The Index of Current Conditions rose three points to 101, while the Index of Future Expectations rose five points to 114. …
Northwest Georgia Counties Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
(GDAC/Atlanta, GA/Nov. 6, 2023) — For the first time in four years, Georgia has been impacted by extreme drought conditions, negatively impacting our state’s agricultural industry. Last week, United States Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA) Tom Vilsack issued a natural disaster declaration for four Georgia counties for following a sustained period of drought. Impacted counties include Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, and Walker, which have sustained …
Florida NRCS Holding CSP Webinar November 6
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) will host a virtual workshop and overview of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for agricultural producers and non-industrial, private forest landowners on Monday, November 6, 2023. CSP is a unique program that offers additional conservation and financial opportunities. Florida CSP funding for fiscal year 2024 (FY2024) was increased to $15.5 million. There will be two …
GPC Announces Plans for 47th Annual Farm Show
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) reminds growers and industry leaders to mark their calendars for next year’s Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The show is free and open to all producers and industry …
Speaker Johnson a “Real Win for Cattle Producers”
The nation has a new Speaker of the House, and he’s someone already trusted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). NCBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane said though Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has not served on the Agriculture Committee, he has a strong voting record when it comes to agriculture. “He has been a pretty reliable …
Farm Bill Extension Expected
As the House continues its search for a new speaker, some members of the Senate are watching and waiting for the legislative work to continue, especially when it comes to the Farm Bill. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said he believes it continues to get more unlikely that a farm bill will be completed this year. “The dysfunction …
USDA Conducting Sheep Study in 2024
USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) conducts a national sheep study approximately every ten years, and will do so again next year. The Sheep 2024 Study will support industry groups and research efforts with new information on sheep health and management. The study consists of two phases and includes biological sampling and two questionnaires. A random selection of almost …
AgNet Weekly: Farmer in Favor of OFF Act
In a recent story for Southeast AgNet and AgNet West, Sabrina Halvorson talked with a representative of the National Cattlemens Beef Association on why they’re against the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act. The OFF Act would make some changes to checkoff organizations. After that aired, Sabrina heard from a farmer and organization leader who is in favor of the …
Signup Deadline Nearing for USDA Conservation Innovation Grants
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds those interested the availability of $65 million through two funding opportunities to further natural resource conservation on private lands. It’s through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, but the deadline for applications is October 30, 2023. NRCS is being directed to prioritize CIG On-Farm Trials projects that use diet and feed management to reduce enteric methane …
“Farming Means Business and Business is Booming”
by Will Jordan The 45th annual Sunbelt Ag Expo kicked off this past Tuesday in Moultrie, Ga. The Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year awards saw Darrel Haynes of Alabama, Wade Purvis of Florida and Bart Davis of Georgia receive their respective state farmer of the year awards. Other states recognized with Farmer of the Year Awards included …