(NAFB) — The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 27 points to a reading of 183 in October, setting an all-time high for the index. Farmers were more optimistic about both the future and current financial situations on their farms. The Current Conditions Index rose 36 points to a reading of 178, and the Future Expectations Index climbed 23 …
Two Alabama Counties Designated Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available (USDA/FSA) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated two Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Baldwin and Mobile counties who suffered losses caused by excessive wind, flash flooding and excessive rainfall caused by Hurricane Sally that occurred from Sept. 15 through Sept. 16, 2020, may be eligible for …
Deadline Extended for AASP Poultry Grower Programs
DEADLINE EXTENDED Due to statewide power outages last week as a result of Hurricane Zeta, the application deadline for the AASP Breeder, Broiler and Pullet Grower programs has been extended to Friday, November 13, 2020. Eligible grower should visit crf.alabama.gov or agi.alabama.gov to apply. Eligibility requirements for each program are below. Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program Poultry Breeder Growers Eligibility Before proceeding through the application, please …
2020-21 National FFA Officer Team Elected
(National FFA Organization) — Students from Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Missouri were elected by National FFA Delegates to serve as 2020-21 National FFA Officers. These members were selected from 38 candidates vying for the honor. Candidates take part in an extensive online interview process with the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee leading up to the selection. The new …
Dicamba Approved for Over-the-Top Use
(GAC) — On Tuesday, October 27, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler joined members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation, Ag Commissioner Gary Black, and dozens of farmers and agriculture organizations on the farm of Lee Cromley in Bulloch County to announce the agency will approve three dicamba formulations for over-the-top use for cotton and soybeans. Members of the Georgia Agribusiness Council …
EPA Announces 2020 Dicamba Registration Decision
Contact Information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov) Brooklet, Ga. (October 27, 2020) — At the Cromley Farm, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced that the EPA is approving new five-year registrations for two dicamba products and extending the registration of an additional dicamba product. All three registrations include new control measures to ensure these products can be used effectively …
Commissioner Fried Comments on Florida Request to Assume EPA Responsibilities on Clean Water Act
(FDACS) — On the final day of virtual public hearings on the state of Florida’s request to assume the administration of the Clean Water Act’s Section 404 program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Commissioner Nikki Fried, an independently-elected member of the Florida Cabinet, offered the following: “Just before an election, the DeSantis administration is furthering their relentless drive to consolidate power, seizing authority from the federal government and …
Franklin Middle School FFA of Georgia Named 2020 Middle School Model of Excellence Winner
(National FFA Organization) — Franklin Middle School FFA of Georgia has been named the 2020 Middle School Model of Excellence winner during the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo, being held virtually this year. The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies. These chapters improve their operations using the National Quality …
New Rule Makes Enhancements to Environmental Quality Incentives Program
(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the final rule for its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The rule updates USDA’s flagship program as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and integrates feedback from agricultural producers and others. “This final rule enables us to continue helping producers manage their land in the most beneficial ways possible,” said Kevin Norton, acting Chief of USDA’s …
Trump Administration Invests in High-Speed Broadband in Rural Alabama
ReConnect Funding to Connect 11,163 Rural Households to High-Speed Internet e-Connectivity (USDA/RD) — The Trump Administration announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $37 million to provide broadband service in unserved and underserved rural areas in Alabama. This investment is part of the $550 million Congress allocated to the second round of the ReConnect Program. “Access to …