Empowering Agriculture: FL Leadership, GA Dialogue & Southeast Relief
We are diving into the headlines today in our ag news:
Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, named fifth-generation cattle rancher Reba Mazak as the 2025 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. With over 40 years of experience, Mazak has built a thriving ranch in Sumter County while diversifying into mining, event hosting, and hunting. Her leadership in organizations such as Florida CattleWomen highlights her commitment to mentorship and innovation in agriculture.
In Georgia, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently visited Atlanta to engage with local agricultural leaders. Rollins discussed key issues including avian flu prevention, global market expansion, and Farm Bill priorities during a roundtable at the University of Georgia’s Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm.
And, important to the entire Southeast, the USDA has launched the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, and is issuing up to $10 billion in direct payments. Targeting staples like cotton, corn, wheat, and peanuts, the program aims to offset rising input costs and stabilize the industry. Farmers can apply through August 15, 2025.
