Below Normal Hurricane Season and Dems Push for Farm Bill Changes
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Florida residents should prepare for a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service.
While a below-normal season is expected, Florida Farm Bureau encourages Floridians to take all the necessary precautions when it comes to preparing for a hurricane.
The NHC is updating the hurricanes.gov website to be more mobile friendly and accessible, making it easier to view resources and weather updates.
**The Rural Mainstreet Index fell sharply in March, signaling continued economic strain across agriculture-dependent regions.
That’s according to a monthly survey from Creighton University.
The index dropped to 40.9, well below the growth-neutral level of 50, marking ongoing weakness tied to low commodity prices and high input costs.
Creighton’s Ernie Goss says weakness in farm commodity prices and elevated agriculture input costs are spilling over into the business community.
**Senate Democrats are pushing for changes to the newly passed House farm bill, arguing it must better address the economic challenges facing farmers and rural communities.
Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota emphasized the need for stronger support as farm bankruptcies rise and input costs remain high.
She’s also calling for policies that expand domestic markets and improve trade opportunities.
Democrats also raised concerns about proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
