china

Support for Farmers Impacted by Trade Disruption

Dan Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Trade

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation and trade disruption. President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a relief strategy to support American agricultural producers while the administration continues to work on free, fair and reciprocal trade deals …

deadline

Deadline for NAP Buy-Up Coverage is Friday

Dan Cattle, Economy, Field Crops, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers this Friday, May 24 is the deadline to obtain buy-up coverage for 2019 or 2020 eligible crops for which the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) application closing date has passed. They note that higher levels of coverage are now being offered through NAP. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and …

deere

Deere Slowing Production of Farm Equipment

Dan Economy

John Deere says it will slow production output at certain facilities by as much as 20 percent year-over-year during the second half of 2019. Reasons for the decision range from trade uncertainty to a host of other issues pressuring the ag industry. Director of Investor Relations Josh Jepsen says output reductions will mainly focus on large equipment in the North …

timber

Nikki Fried Urges Immediate Action by U.S. Senate on Disaster Relief

Dan Economy, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, Industry News Release, Legislative, Livestock

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried urged the U.S. Senate to take immediate action on long-overdue Hurricane Michael relief. With both chambers set to adjourn on Friday until June 3, Fried asked senators to send a bipartisan disaster assistance package to the President’s desk before the end of the week. The U.S. House passed a bipartisan disaster bill on May 10. …

panel

Panel Advocates for Florida Ag to Florida Delegation

Dan Economy, Exports/Imports, Florida, Forestry, Trade

A panel of Florida agricultural leaders had a unique opportunity on May 16 to discuss Florida agriculture issues in front of the Florida delegation in Washington, D.C. The panel mainly focused on two topics: hurricane relief dollars and the impact of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) on Florida produce. Led by delegation co-chairs, Alcee Hastings and Vern Buchanan, Florida’s …

loan program

Farm Leader Salutes Gov. DeSantis for Hurricane Recovery Loan Program

Dan Economy, Florida, Industry News Release

Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick has expressed his appreciation for the decision by Gov. Ron DeSantis to authorize a major state loan program for farm families struggling with recovery from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Michael. “We thank Governor DeSantis for his bold leadership in initiating this program,” Hoblick said. “Six months after the storm crushed the region, …

net farm income

New Trade Aid Likely Days Away

Dan Economy, Industry News Release, Trade

Department of Agriculture officials say support for farmers dealing with depressed markets will be made available quickly. President Donald Trump has promised farmers $15 billion in aid following the latest round of tariffs implemented Friday. Speaking to farm broadcasters Tuesday, a slew of USDA officials discussed the new aid being prepared for farmers. USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural …

nrcs

Disaster Relief Still Not Here; Officials Frustrated

Dan Economy

There was still no word about a disaster-aid relief package as last week ended and frustration built. Georgia Representative Austin Scott had some choice words for the current administration about the situation. During a subcommittee meeting, Scott said, “When things are then handed off to people at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), who consider the American farmer and …