Farmer Testimony: There’s No Future in Farming

Jim Rogers Farm Bill

By Clint Thompson Farming is more than just a specialty crop producer’s occupation; it’s a way of life. That is why growers become emotional when discussing their livelihood that is threatened by surging input costs, unfair trade practices and costly labor alternatives. Michael Hill is one of those farmers that’s been challenged by the current agricultural landscape. He discussed the …

Grower Associations Gearing Up for Farm Bill

Jim Rogers Farm Bill

By Clint Thompson What the future of agriculture looks like could be shaped by how discussions materialize this year in preparation for the 2023 farm bill. The farm bill’s passage will have lasting ramifications for Southeast specialty crop producers who hope to remain sustainable for the foreseeable future. For one specialty crop organization, the bill’s inclusion or exclusion of language …

AFBF Establishes 2023 Farm Bill Priorities

Jim Rogers Legislative

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released its priorities for the 2023 farm bill. The priorities were identified by a working group of Farm Bureau members and staff from across the country.   AFBF’s overarching priorities include: Continuing current farm bill program funding; Maintaining a unified farm bill that includes nutrition programs and farm programs together; Prioritizing risk management tools …

Freeze Effect: Legislation Introduced to Protect Growers

Jim Rogers Farm Bill, Legislative

U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Darren Soto (D-Fla.) introduced The Temperature Endorsement for Multi-Peril Policies (TEMP) Act this week. It will protect farmers impacted by crop-damaging freezes. Rep. Steube proposes this legislation for inclusion in the 2023 Farm Bill. “This winter, a freeze caused significant damages to Florida’s citrus, sugarcane, ornamental plants, and many fruits and vegetables. Currently, specialty-crop insurance policies are expensive, leaving …