Florida Hurricane Aid Available and Corn Forecast Higher

The Agribusiness Update
Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced that

Florida farmers and ranchers impacted by Hurricane Isaias can apply for interest-free loans, and USDA raised its corn production forecast, projecting larger supplies than anticipated in October’s WASDE Report.

School Lunch Never Sounded This Good

Southeast Regional Ag News
Florida Future Chef crowns a winner with a menu highlighting locally grown foods.

Florida Ag Hall of Fame Inductees and Farmers & High Fuel Prices

The Agribusiness Update
Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Ag Hall of Fame announced their 2027 Hall of Fame Inductees, and high fuel prices are another financial headache for farmers.

Florida Takes Aim at Southern Pine Beetle Threat

Southeast Regional Ag News
Assistance program helps private forest landowners strengthen pine stands as neighboring states face beetle outbreaks.

Florida Expands Screwworm Precautions

Southeast Regional Ag News
New Sonora, Mexico detection prompts additional animal movement requirements.

Florida Extends Hurricane Disaster Aid Deadline

Southeast Regional Ag News
Producers impacted by the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons now have until January 1, 2027, to apply for assistance.

Florida Names Permanent Leadership for Agricultural Water Policy Office

Southeast Regional Ag News
Jessica Ferris appointed director as Megan Seward continues as assistant director, guiding Florida's agricultural water and conservation efforts.

Arrest Highlights Florida's Screwworm Crackdown

Southeast Regional Ag News
State says livestock import rules are being strictly enforced to keep New World Screwworm out.

New Restrictions Issued as Screwworm Threat Moves Closer

Southeast Regional Ag News
New animal movement requirements are now in place as Florida and Georgia work to prevent New World screwworm from spreading beyond Texas.

Fresh From Florida Followers and USMEF Spring Confernece

The Agribusiness Update
Florida Ag Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture are pleased to announce that more than 1.5 million consumers now follow the ‘Fresh From Florida’ on social media, and USMEF wraps up Spring Conference with a discussion detailing innovative marketing strategies.

Ernie Barnett Receives Top Florida Ag-Environmental Award

Southeast Regional Ag News
The longtime policy and conservation leader will be recognized this fall for his impact on Everglades restoration and sustainable agriculture.

2026 Florida Woman of the Year in Ag and War Could Add Pressure for Farmers

The Agribusiness Update
Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced Dr. LuJean Waters as the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture, and agricultural economists warn ongoing conflict in the Middle East could put added financial pressure on U.S. farmers.

Honoring a Florida Trailblazer

Southeast Regional Ag News
Seventh-generation cattle rancher Dr. LuJean Waters earns the state’s top recognition for her impact on agriculture and education.

Southeast on Alert for Fire and Drought

Southeast Regional Ag News
Southeastern states are seeing heightened wildfire risk and agricultural impacts tied to ongoing dry weather.

Florida Farm Bill Signed and Bipartisan Support for Farmers

The Agribusiness Update
Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson joined Governor Ron DeSantis, and others as the 2026 Florida Farm Bill was signed into law, and lawmakers from both parties voiced support for American farmers during a Senate Ag Committee hearing.

2026 Florida Farm Bill Becomes Law

Southeast Regional Ag News
Officials say the measure delivers resources and protections for farmers and families.

Florida Farm Bill Passed and One Farmer-One File Initiative

The Agribusiness Update
Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature for passing the historic 2026 Florida Farm Bill, and the NACD applauds the USDA’s “One Farmer, One File” initiative, designed to streamline producer interactions across USDA agencies.

Hurricane Recovery Funds Ready for Florida Producers

Southeast Regional Ag News
Applications are now open for disaster relief grants on a first come, first served basis through August 25, 2026.

Florida Loss Estimates from Freeze and Raspberries for Brain Health

The Agribusiness Update
Florida Ag Commissioner announced preliminary estimates of losses to Florida agriculture from the recent freezes, and new research finds that adding red raspberries to a meal improved blood sugar responses and enhanced cognitive performance within hours.

Freeze Delivers Historic Blow to Florida Agriculture

Southeast Regional Ag News
Preliminary estimates show more than $3.1 billion in losses across key commodities statewide.