This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of …
Thompson Seeks House Hearing on Senate Climate Bill
The top Republican on the House Ag Committee calls for a hearing on the Senate Growing Climate Solutions Act. In a letter to Chairman David Scott, a Georgia Democrat, Glen GT Thompson of Pennsylvania says, “I write to express concerns with this legislation and request further review by the House Committee on Agriculture.” Thompson has maintained concerns of government involvement …
Florida, Georgia FFA Members Named 2021 American Star Finalists
The National FFA Organization has announced the 16 finalists for its 2021 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. And 4 members from Florida and Georgia are among the 16 finalists. The American Star Awards represent the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree …
Navigable Waters Protection Rule Challenge Dismissed
Back in May, various environmental groups asked a federal court to vacate the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) enacted during the Trump Administration. The motion, filed in a South Carolina U.S. District Court, asked the court to vacate the rule based on what they call undisputed facts, including what they say has been lost protection for U.S. waters. But last …
NCBA Working to Change Fresh Beef Labels
Late last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a top-to-bottom review of the “Product of the USA” label. It was move that pleased the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), as they have long-advocated for voluntary labels that meet consumer demand. NCBA Senior Director of International Trade and Market Access, Kent Bacus, explains how they are working to change fresh beef labels. Sponsored ContentFlorida …
Clarifying the Product of the USA Label
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a top-to-bottom review of the “Product of the USA” label, which will inform a forthcoming rulemaking on this topic. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said “American consumers depend upon accurate, transparent labels to obtain important information about the food they consume. American farmers and ranchers depend upon those same labels to convey information about …
USDA Compost and Food Waste Reduction Applications are Due Friday
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $2 million for local governments to host Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR) pilot projects for fiscal year 2021. But the deadline to apply is Friday, July 16. The cooperative agreements support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste …
Sunbelt Field Day is Next Week
The annual Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day is just a week away, as it will be held Thursday, July 22. Tyron Spearman has a preview. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril …
Meat Institute Opposes Government Intervention in Meat Market
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) opposed recent action to make changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act. In a statement, the organization says, President Biden’s executive order calling for the Department of Agriculture to change the Packers and Stockyards rules will have unintended consequences for consumers and producers. Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts states, “Government intervention …
UF/IFAS Pleased with New Budget
The new fiscal year for the state of Florida officially began on July 1, meaning the new budget year is underway. And when Governor DeSantis signed the annual budget in early June, he did not veto any University of Florida or UF/IFAS funds. Mary Ann Hooks, director of governmental affairs for UF/IFAS, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman they were pleased with their final budget. …