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 …
USDA Extends Milk Loss Program Deadline
U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) did extend the application deadline for the Milk Loss Program (MLP) to this coming Monday, October 30th. This is to allow more time for eligible dairy farmers to apply for much-needed weather-related disaster recovery assistance. Administered by the Farm Service Agency, MLP compensates dairy producers who, because of qualifying weather events, dumped or removed milk …
AgNet Weekly: Tomato Suspension Agreement Pt 2
Should the U.S. terminate the tomato suspension agreement with Mexico? This agreement is intended to keep Mexico from flooding the U.S. market with underpriced tomatoes, however, some industry leaders say it’s not working, and the agreement needs to be terminated so Mexico can be held accountable. Others worry that terminating the agreement and making Mexico pay duties or fines for …
Ag Economics Expert on Recession Expectations
An ag economics expert weighs in on the nation’s financial state.  Speaking at the recent Agri-Pulse Ag Outlook Forum, the head of RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness for North America, Roland Fumasi told attendees the nation’s economy could be heading into a recession. “But this is our House view. Right now. We are still expecting that the US will fall into …
AgNet Weekly: Tomato Suspension Agreement Pt 1
Should the U.S. terminate the tomato suspension agreement with Mexico? This agreement is intended to keep Mexico from flooding the U.S. market with underpriced tomatoes, however, some industry leaders say it’s not working, and the agreement needs to be terminated so Mexico can be held accountable. Others worry that terminating the agreement and making Mexico pay duties or fines for …
Weakening Crop Prices and High Production Costs Weigh on Farmer Sentiment
Agricultural producers’ sentiment declined for the second month in a row during September. The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell nine points to a reading of 106. Producers expressed concern about both their current situation as well as future prospects for their farms. The Current Conditions and Futures Expectations Indices both declined ten points in September, leaving the Current …
New Crop Insurance Program for Controlled Environments
There’s a new crop insurance program, for a different kind of agriculture. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is announcing a new crop insurance program designed for agricultural producers using controlled environments in their operations. The new Controlled Environment Program from the Risk Management Agency is specifically for plants grown in fully enclosed environments and provides …
Farmers Recovery Center to Open in Suwannee and Dixie Counties
On Thursday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a Farmers Recovery Center will be open at the UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension Building, at 1302 11th Street SW in Live Oak. At the Farmers Recovery Center, you can learn about disaster assistance programs available for farmers. You will be able to meet with representatives from USDA Farm Service Agency, …