Florida Blueberry Losses and Farm Bill Negotiations Intensify
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Florida blueberry growers are reporting severe crop losses after a series of freezes in late January and early February damaged plants across central and northern parts of the state.
Industry officials say many farms lost between two-thirds and 75% of their crop.
Growers say temperatures dropped as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit, overwhelming frost-protection systems.
The lighter crop has tightened domestic blueberry supplies and kept prices firm through the Florida season.
**Congressional negotiations over the next farm bill have intensified as lawmakers continue debating funding priorities, nutrition programs and conservation spending tied to the legislation that shapes U.S. ag policy.
House and Senate ag leaders are working to advance a new multiyear farm bill after repeated delays in recent years.
Discussions have focused heavily on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, crop insurance protections and conservation initiatives important to farmers and ranchers.
**The Trump administration is moving to increase flexibility for beef imports as U.S. cattle inventories remain near historic lows and retail beef prices continue climbing.
Some ranching groups warned additional imports could place downward pressure on domestic cattle markets and reduce profits for American producers already dealing with tight margins.
Others say expanded imports may help processors and retailers maintain supplies during peak demand periods.
