Farmers Applaud House Passage of Farm Bill | |
After a marathon debate that stretched into the early hours of April 30, U.S. House members voted mid-morning to pass the farm bill — officially the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. It passed 224 to 200.
It’s a step in the right direction following three years of farm bill extensions, said Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker.
“We need a farm bill that responds to the needs of producers today,” Walker said. “The last farm bill was passed in 2018. It was really just a reboot of the 2014 farm bill. If you think of everything that has happened since then, it’s past time to get a new farm bill.”
Walker said the bill includes critical funding for specialty crop growers, research and more. He noted important changes to Title 1 programming were codified during the reconciliation bill that passed last July, including updates for base acres, ARC and PLC.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall thanked House members, including Ag Committee Chair G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., for passing the modernized farm bill. Alabama congressional leaders who supported final passage were Reps. Robert Aderholt, Barry Moore, Gary Palmer, Mike Rogers and Dale Strong.
Walker said he hopes the Senate will soon release its farm bill text. That separate bill will have to pass the Senate Agriculture Committee before heading to the Senate floor. Should it pass the Senate, the two bills will likely head to a conference committee.
| | USDA Announces Additional SDRP Payment | | |
Eligible farmers will soon receive a second Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) payment to alleviate natural disaster losses from 2023 and 2024, according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
Farmers will automatically be awarded an additional 35% of their calculated SDRP payment, doubling the program’s overall payment factor to 70%.
“We are continuing to put farmers first during this difficult farm economy,” Rollins said. “To help secure the economic viability of disaster-impacted farmers, we’re taking deliberate steps to provide stronger, more meaningful financial support for our nation’s agricultural producers.”
Stage 1 remains available to producers who received an indemnity under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for eligible crop losses.
Stage 2 covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses not covered under Stage 1 provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow loss), uncovered and quality losses.
Eligible losses must be the result of natural disasters from 2023 or 2024. These include wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought and related conditions.
To qualify for drought-related losses, the loss must have occurred in a county rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having severe drought (D2) for eight consecutive weeks, extreme drought (D3) or higher.
The application deadline has been extended to Aug. 12.
| | Alabama FarmPAC Issues Election Voter Guide | | |
Alabama FarmPAC released a 2026 primary election guide as a resource for voters ahead of polls opening Tuesday, May 19.
A political action committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama FarmPAC selects candidates through a grassroots endorsement process that originates at the county level.
Federation leaders encourage members to exercise their right to vote. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Find your polling location here.
| | Wiregrass Young Farmers Discover Local Ag | | |
District 7 Young Farmers hosted a Discover Local Agriculture tour April 18, highlighting the diversity of agriculture in southeast Alabama.
More than 20 Young Farmers from Barbour, Crenshaw, Covington, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties traveled through Headland, Enterprise and Samson to visit local farms.
The tour provided opportunities for networking, education and a look at innovation in the Wiregrass. Wiregrass RC&D Council sponsored the event.
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All Commodities
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Fertilizer, especially nitrogen, is a major cost for farmers and is closely linked to natural gas and oil markets. Recent price spikes reflect a broader trend of elevated input costs since 2021. Because of this volatility, farmers must remain disciplined and flexible in their marketing strategies, relying on careful planning and active risk management to navigate uncertainty. Read more.
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Dairy
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service updated its H5N1 guidance. Lactating dairy cows moving across state lines from states with “Unaffected State Status” under the National Milk Testing Strategy no longer need pre-movement testing. Cattle from affected states must test negative for influenza A before interstate transport. Animals showing clinical signs remain ineligible for interstate movement or shipment to harvest facilities. The change is effective immediately. Read more.
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Forestry
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The Forest Landowners Association welcomed bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced April 28 in the U.S. House. The bill was also introduced in the Senate. This legislation would help private forest landowners recover reforestation costs more quickly after natural disasters. The Save America’s Family Forests Act is led by numerous legislators, including U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala. Read more.
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Poultry
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Signups end May 29 for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Animal Mortality Facility Initiative for fiscal year 2026. Alabama is offering financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address on-farm concentrated nutrient and pathogen leaching losses due to animal mortality. Animal mortality facilities including incinerators, dehydrators and composters, are eligible for financial assistance. Priority will be given to producers who have documentation stating they must convert from mortality freezers to another means of normal mortality disposal. Learn more.
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Pork
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The pork industry started 2026 with balanced supply and demand, but rising geopolitical tensions and trade disputes could pressure markets later this year. Higher feed, energy and transportation costs are expected to reduce producer margins. Consumer demand may soften for premium pork products, while lower cost at-home meals could remain steady. Disease threats and trade uncertainty continue to challenge the industry. Read more.
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Planting the Future: Virk Leads Peanut Research | |
To kick off peanut planting season, Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) leaders spent time with Auburn University’s Dr. Simer Virk. Virk, an associate professor and Extension specialist with precision ag and machine systems, recently began peanut planning trials.
Virk’s trials — funded by APPA — are focused on advancing precision agriculture practices and improving efficiency for peanut farmers. From calibrating equipment to getting seed in the ground, this hands-on work highlights the direct impact research funding has on real-world farming.
| | Register Now for Farm & Land Conference | |
The Alabama Farmers Federation's Farm & Land Conference is Aug. 6-9 in Mobile. Registration for lodging ends July 5. Meal tickets are due July 29.
The conference includes diverse farm tours, educational seminars, Young Farmers competitions, Women's Leadership Division contests and awards ceremonies.
New this year, Federation state commodity committee elections will take place during Farm & Land Conference.
Plus, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall is the breakfast keynote speaker Aug. 8.
| | Nominate Experts for Annual Awards | | |
Alabama farmers are encouraged to nominate research and Extension personnel for two Alabama Farmers Federation ag-related awards by June 5. Qualifying recipients include individuals whose work tangibly impacted the nominee’s farm.
The Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Research will recognize Auburn University faculty for creative and original research. The winner receives up to $10,000 in program support, which can fund graduate students or research operations.
The Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension will honor Alabama Extension staff for developing or implementing solutions for stakeholder-identified problems. The winner receives up to $5,000 for programming costs.
Winners will be recognized in August during the Federation’s Farm & Land Conference in Mobile.
| | Apply Now for Young Farmers Competitions | | |
Young Farmers ages 18-35 are encouraged to apply to compete in annual competitions by June 1. Contests are Aug. 8 in Mobile during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference.
Excellence in Agriculture is designed for individuals involved in agriculture but do not earn more than half their income from production ag. Candidates may compete as a married couple or individual. The competition consists of an application and in-person presentation. The winner receives a zero-turn mower from Corteva Agriscience. View resource guide.
Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from participants. The competitors discuss pre-selected topics. The four bases of general discussion are cooperation, constructive criticism, problem solving and communication. The winner will receive a four-wheeler from First South Farm Credit. View resource guide.
| | Workshop Educates Poultry Farmers | | |
A group of Alabama poultry farmers gathered at the Alabama Farmers Federation home office for an educational workshop April 29 in Montgomery.
The interactive workshop opened the door for farmers to ask questions with researchers from Alabama Extension and Auburn University.
The agenda covered topics such as tax management, livestock cost protection programs, litter management and biosecurity.
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Alabama farmers are encouraged to report drought conditions. Reports will become part of the permanent record, appearing immediately on an interactive map visible to the public, including authors of the U.S. Drought Monitor and the media. Report here.
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Farmers can apply for the American Farm Bureau Federation Ag Innovation Challenge until June 5. In its 13th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The overall winner will receive $100,000 in startup funds; the runner-up will be awarded $25,000; and two additional business owners who advance to the Final 4 will receive $10,000. Learn more.
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The Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Committee is raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama through a special online store. Branded, ag-focused offerings include hats and T-shirts. Shop here.
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Don't miss upcoming episodes of Simply Southern TV!
May 3: 2025 Excellence in Agriculture winners Josh and Bailey Williams, Dothan Botanical Gardens, Pollinator Garden Advice from Alabama Extension and Stacey Little's Shrimp and Grits.
May 10: Trowbridge’s Ice Cream in Florence, Fayette’s Cattlemen and Co., Alabama 4-H Champion Betty Gottler and Stacey Little's Chicken Pot Pie Noodles.
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