News

Florida Farm Bureau has announced the top three finalists for its 2026 Florida Farmer of the Year award.  This award recognizes outstanding agriculturists who demonstrate excellence in agriculture, leadership, innovation and stewardship of the land.   The finalists for the award are Lucy Abell of Desoto County,…

The federal government shut down today at 12:01 a.m., leaving Florida’s farmers and ranchers facing more uncertainty of government support. Florida Farm Bureau is calling on the Senate to act immediately by passing the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 to restore government operations. “Our farm families need stability,” said…

Because of Florida Farm Bureau’s grassroots advocacy efforts, farmers and ranchers are seeing positive results on national issues. Over the past month, three major national regulatory actions have been announced that directly impact Florida farmers. These developments will help reduce burdens, modernize standards and create a more competitive future for…

Ron Rice has been a bridge for the two Florida Farm Bureaus in Palm Beach County to the county government. In fact, he is county government. Our Extension leaders are employees of the counties they work in as well as of UF/IFAS. Western…

A federal court in Louisiana has vacated the Department of Labor’s 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology rule.  This decision is a major victory for Florida agriculture and Farm Bureau members. The 2023 AEWR rule created instability, and unsustainable wage increases by applying non-agricultural data to…

The Florida citrus industry has seen some promising investments so far this year. In the 2025 Legislative Session, nearly $140 million was appropriated for the citrus industry. The largest block of those funds is earmarked for the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation, Inc. (CRAFT). The CRAFT Foundation…

UF/IFAS exists to meet your needs. To find out what those needs are, we listen. We have thousands of conversations a year – farmer and county agent, student and professor, producer and researcher, President Smith and me. Now we’re seeking a stakeholder-to-scientist conversation that turns listening into research.

Since May 2025, the United States has advanced multiple trade agreements and frameworks that directly affect agriculture. Here’s a comprehensive overview with key highlights and links for more details: U.S.–Philippines Trade Deal Producers benefit from lowered tariffs on U.S. feed inputs like cereals and grains, with Philippine officials maintaining…

Florida Farm Bureau members Chase and Amber Cannady represented Florida at the USDA's Great American Farmers Market, held during National Farmers Market Week, in Washington, D.C. The event showcased several Farm Bureau members and state organizations from across the country. The Cannady's own North Florida Elderberry in…

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is in the process of updating administrative rules related to the Limited Poultry and Egg Farm Operation Permit. The proposed amendments, published on June 12, 2025, in the Florida Administrative Register, address both procedural and technical aspects of the…

On July 21, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins met with Florida farmers and ranchers to announce additional USDA assistance to help…

With more than 240 attendees, the 2025 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference provided an opportunity for agriculturalists to come together, enhancing both their leadership skills and farming scope. The conference, hosted July 11-13 at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort included inspirational panelists, discussion meets and…