New Georgia Electric Facility Opens and Ag Tractor and Combine Sales Down

The Agribusiness Update
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a historic $3.3 billion loan to Oglethorpe Power Corporation to help finance its Smarr Combined-Cycle electric generating facility in Georgia, and sales of agricultural tractors and combines declined in both the U.S. and Canada in September compared with the same month a year earlier.

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.

Farm Bill Expires, What is Going on With Sulphur?

Line on Agriculture
The 2018 Farm Bill’s expiration has put new Conservation Reserve Program contracts and some other agricultural programs on hold. Meanwhile, sulfur supply concerns—including restricted exports and disruptions to global trade—are creating uncertainty for farmers, even though sulfur-based fertilizers were unexpectedly cheap this summer.

Georgia Looks to Grow Rural Veterinary Care

Southeast Regional Ag News
Loan repayment program aims to bring veterinarians to communities facing critical shortages.

Congress Returns from Recess

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Congress returns from its August with much unfinished business and huge impacts for agriculture.

USDA Backs $486.7 Million in Georgia Electric Upgrades

Southeast Regional Ag News
Oglethorpe Power will use the financing for improvements at 14 generation sites across Georgia.

Pear Relief in Oregon

Fruit Grower Report
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek asked for a federal disaster designation for pear growers in the Columbia River Gorge to assist with severe crop losses, but her opponent in the Governor's race says that's not enough.

AFBF Veteran Farmer Award and AI in Ag Gaining Traction

The Agribusiness Update
The American Farm Bureau is now accepting applications for its 2027 Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence, and a new survey suggests artificial intelligence is gaining traction on America's farms and ranches, though many remain cautious.

Natural Disaster Relief and More Meat and Eggs Available

The Agribusiness Update
A natural disaster designation allows the USDA to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans, and Americans are expected to have more meat and eggs available in the coming years.

Lost Valley Reservoir

Idaho Ag Today
A plan that has been in the works for decades to increase the water storage capacity at the Lost Valley Reservoir in Adams county, Idaho.

US Seafood Industry Gets Support

Line on Agriculture
The USDA has established a new Office of Seafood to support the seafood industry, including fishermen of all species. The office, led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to provide resources such as grants, loans, and risk management for infrastructure, workforce development, procurement, marketing, and disaster assistance

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.

Sugar beet relief

Idaho Ag Today
Brooke Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing $150 million in assistance to American sugar beet growers.

Drought Triggers Disaster Declaration for Alabama Counties

Southeast Regional Ag News
Nineteen counties are now eligible for federal assistance after severe drought conditions.

Florida Commissioner Highlights 2026 Farm Bill Proposals

Southeast Regional Ag News
The Commissioner’s office outlines key provisions in the 2026 Florida Farm Bill aimed at agriculture, public safety, and consumer protection.

USDA Reopens Offices Nationwide, Easing Shutdown Strain

California Ag Today
The Associated Press says reopened USDA offices are helping farmers access $3 billion in aid and key services.

USDA Reopens 2,100 Offices to Aid Farmers During Shutdown

Southeast Regional Ag News
The Associated Press reports the USDA is restoring key Farm Service Agency operations to help producers access $3 billion in aid, drawing praise from the National Cotton Council.

Northwest Climate Survey and Shutdown Warnings or Agriculture

The Agribusiness Update
Northwest researchers are asking for participation to help document weather and climate impacts of the 2025 water year in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and top Senate Republican John Thune warns White House that American farmers will continue to suffer during the government shutdown.

Northwest Climate Survey and Shutdown Warnings or Agriculture

The Agribusiness Update
Northwest researchers are asking for participation to help document weather and climate impacts of the 2025 water year in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and top Senate Republican John Thune warns White House that American farmers will continue to suffer during the government shutdown.

Georgia Farmers Hit by Shutdown and Shutdown Warnings or Agriculture

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia farmers rely on support from the USDA and other government agencies that are being affected by the federal government shutdown, and top Senate Republican John Thune warns White House that American farmers will continue to suffer during the government shutdown.