Category: Ag News

Dec 19

USDA Announces $300 Million in Additional Regional Agricultural Promotion Program Grants to Diversify U.S. Agricultural Export Markets

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the second round of Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) grants, which is intended to allocate $300 million to 67 partners once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, expanding American food and agricultural exports in emerging global markets. This latest investment brings total RAPP funding to $600 million …

Dec 19

Some Conditions Improve in Oklahoma’s Latest Drought Monitor Report

To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. According to the latest Oklahoma drought monitor report, exceptional drought remains at zero percent, unchanged from the start of the calendar year. Extreme drought or worse conditions remain at zero percent, unchanged since the week of October 29. Severe drought or worse conditions are 1.85 percent, unchanged since December 5. Moderate drought …

Dec 19

Pivot Bio Launches New Retail Distribution Partnerships

Pivot Bio, one of the world’s leading innovative agtech companies, is proud to announce a strategic distribution partnership with Hefty Seed Company, one of the largest independent ag retailers in the U.S. Beginning in 2025, PROVEN® 40, a microbial nitrogen source powered by Pivot Bio’s patented gene-edited technology, will be available at all Hefty Seed Co. locations, offering corn …

Dec 19

Shane Brockhoff Named Meristem’s Vice President of Sales for Western U.S.

Meristem Crop Performance announced today that Shane Brockhoff has been tapped to be Meristem’s Vice President of Sales for the Western U.S. The promotion comes after Brockhoff’s exemplary service to farmers in Iowa and Nebraska as Regional Director. Brockhoff will now bring this experience in helping growers boost their profitability with the right products and …

Dec 19

NASS to Survey Cattle Producers

In January, the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories. “This information helps producers make timely, informed business decisions and plan for herd expansion or reduction. It also helps packers and government leaders evaluate expected slaughter volume for …

Dec 19

Dr. Jon DeClerck to Serve as next American Simmental Association Executive Vice President

Dr. Jon DeClerck has been selected as the next American Simmental Association (ASA) Executive Vice President (EVP). DeClerck will assume the position of EVP on July 1, 2025; Dr. Wade Shafer will continue serving as ASA EVP until his official retirement on June 30, 2025. DeClerck is a forward-thinking leader with extensive experience in the …

Dec 19

Farm Bureau to Congress: Stand Up for Farmers in CR Dispute

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall delivered a letter to Congress this evening urging elected leaders to stand with farmers as they reconsider the contents of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government and potentially offer a lifeline to farmers and ranchers. Below are excerpts from the letter. “Any alternative Continuing Resolution …

Dec 19

Congress Poised to Deliver Vital Aid to the Countryside?

For months, Southern Ag Today has been documenting growing economic pressure in the countryside, particularly for row-crop producers (see here, here, and here). We have also repeatedly highlighted the need for assistance to help growers shoulder losses in 2024 while preparing for a rather bleak outlook in 2025, particularly with farm bill negotiations having stalled in Congress. Following …