2026 Florida Woman of the Year in Ag and War Could Add Pressure for Farmers
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced Dr. LuJean Waters as the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.
www.morningagclips.com reports Dr. Waters is a seventh-generation Florida cattle rancher, veterinarian, and owner of Heartland Large Animal Services, a large animal ambulatory veterinary practice serving livestock producers across Central Florida.
Dr. Waters also teaches numerous animal science and beef cattle production classes at Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida.
www.morningagclips.com/commissioner-wilton-simpson-announces-2026-woman-of-the-year-in-agriculture/
**A coalition of leading agricultural organizations is urging Congress to prioritize funding for local and regional food procurement in upcoming economic relief packages.
The effort is led by the National Farmers Union, American Farmland Trust, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.
NFU president, Rob Larew says investing in local and regional food procurement isn't just good policy, but it's how we keep family farms viable.
**An agricultural economist warns that ongoing conflict in the Middle East could put added financial pressure on U.S. farmers.
Purdue University’s Michael Langemeier says uncertainty may contribute to rising inflation, and while not all input costs are expected to rise, expenses like fuel and fertilizer are the primary concern.
At the same time, higher interest rates would increase the cost of borrowing for operating loans and equipment purchases.
