Farmers Applaud Court-Ordered Pause in Filing Requirements | |
A district court has blocked the U.S. Department of Treasury from enforcing Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) beneficial ownership information reporting requirements – good news for Alabama farmers and small-business owners. The CTA’s filing requirements went into effect this year, and fines for late reporting would have begun Jan. 1, 2025.
Alabama Farmers Federation leaders hailed the preliminary injunction Dec. 3.
“Despite the CTA’s many problems, we made our members aware earlier in the year about its requirements because all indications trended toward the new law remaining in place,” said John Allen Nichols, the Federation’s agriculture counsel. “We are pleased to see the court rule with common sense and set aside this requirement while working to determine its constitutionality.”
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Farmers Win H-2A Battle, Still Wage War on Mandatory Pay Hikes |
Farmers who use the federal H-2A guest worker program scored a crucial victory last week when a district court halted overreach from the Department of Labor (DOL).
On Nov. 26, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi barred the DOL from enforcing its Worker Protection Rule, which unlawfully extended unionization rights to H-2A visa-holders.
While hailing the courts’ ruling, Alabama Farmers Federation's Blake Thaxton highlighted the need to amend the mandatory Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), or minimum wage for guest workers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Labor report sets the AEWR each year, with large spikes coming in the last two years. On average, the AEWR will rise 4.5% in 2025, a hike that varies by region.
In Alabama, farmers will battle a 10% increase as guest workers’ hourly wage settles at $16.08. That’s more than double the non-guest worker minimum wage of $7.25.
The new AEWR would become official when published in the Federal Register in December.
Thaxton said a bright spot could be on the horizon thanks to U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama. He’s included language in the U.S. House’s end-of-year appropriations bill to freeze the AEWR at January 2023 levels, or $13.67 in Alabama. Congress must pass the spending bill by Dec. 20.
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Catfish Checkoff Referendum is Jan. 23 | |
Alabama catfish producers will head to the polls Thursday, Jan. 23, to decide if the state Catfish Checkoff program will continue for five more years at the current rate of $1 per ton of feed manufactured or sold in Alabama.
All producers who purchased feed in Alabama during 2024 (not less than 30 days before the referendum) are eligible to vote.
Voting will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at their respective county polling sites on the date of the referendum. No proxy voting will be allowed, and no ballots will be accepted by mail. Contact William Green at wmgreen@alfafarmers.org for more information.
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USDA Report Confirms Farm Income Decrease | |
A recent Farm Income Report confirms just how tough a year it’s been for American agriculture, with slightly revised projections offering little relief to farmers who are losing nearly a quarter of their income in two years.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture now projects net farm income at $140.7 billion for 2024. That's down $6 billion (or 4.1%) from 2023 and $41.2 billion (or 22.6%) from 2022, when net farm income peaked at $181.9 billion.
When adjusted for inflation, the drop in net farm income becomes more pronounced, with a projected decline of $9.5 billion (or 6.3%) from 2023. Although the updated 2024 figure remains above the 20-year average, the metrics paint a challenging picture, particularly for crop producers who face substantial revenue declines. While some sectors, predominantly livestock, see stronger receipts, the December forecast underscores that agriculture remains in the red with few signs of immediate relief for farmers already navigating tight margins.
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Bee & Honey
U.S. beekeepers lost an estimated 55.1% of their managed bee colonies in 2023-24, per annual U.S. Beekeeping Survey results released Dec. 5. This is 14.8 points higher than the 13-year average annual loss rate of 40.3% and is the highest colony loss since the survey’s inception in 2011.
Submitted by Blake Thaxton
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Dairy
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the application deadline for the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program to Dec.13. Eligible producers include certified organic dairy operations that produce milk from cows, goats and sheep. Click here to read more.
Submitted by Colton Christjohn
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Livestock, Hay & Forage
With drought conditions looming, it's time to think about the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency administers LFP, which financially assists livestock farmers burdened with increased costs associated with forages lost to drought or wildfire. Learn more about LFP here.
Submitted by Chris Prevatt
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Pork
The hog market is experiencing shifts influenced by production trends and economic pressures. Recent U.S. Department of Agriculture data highlights an increase in pigs per litter, reaching a record high of 11.7, which boosts production despite reductions in breeding herd sizes. High feed costs, disease impacts and elevated facility expenses have challenged profitability, leading to reduced herd sizes. Despite challenges, overall pork production is projected to grow this year due to productivity gains, though this may suppress hog prices and limit profitability recovery. Read more here.
Submitted by Colton Christjohn
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Poultry
Egg prices are climbing due to increased holiday demand and lower egg supply, worsened by highly pathogenic avian influenza-related losses. Current prices are over 300% higher than last year and exceed 2022 levels, a year of historically high prices. Despite lower feed costs, high bird loss rates keep egg inventories low, with just a few days worth of supply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns additional losses could further escalate prices. Click here to read more.
Submitted by Colton Christjohn
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Row Crops
A recent Alabama Cooperative Extension System initiative, Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS), allowed farmers and consultants to form teams and participate in a row crop farming competition that tested best management practices. TAPS required each team to make in-season agronomic and economic decisions on three assigned corn plots at Extension’s E.V. Smith Research Station during the 2024 growing season. Eight teams competed with Autauga, Dallas, Henry, Macon and Talladega counties being represented.
The winning team and competition results will be announced Dec. 10 at the Federation home office in Montgomery from 9-11 a.m. The event is open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Register here by Dec. 5.
Submitted by Carla Hornady
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Wildlife
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is celebrating 40 years of its Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). Farmers and landowners use DMAP for crop protection, herd management and trophy deer production. Learn more here.
Submitted by William Green
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Federation Congratulates Sen. Gudger | |
Alabama Farmers Federation leadership congratulated Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, who will be the next Alabama Senate president pro tempore, the chamber’s highest leadership position.
Gudger defeated Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, in a closed-door GOP caucus vote Dec. 3.
“Sens. Gudger and Livingston are both friends of this organization, and we appreciate their service to our state,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “We are confident Sen. Gudger will provide strong leadership in the Senate. He has a proven record of helping Alabama farm families, and we look forward to continuing our work with him.”
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Alabama Counties Named Natural Disaster Areas | |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated Dallas, Perry and Wilcox counties as primary natural disaster areas due to recent drought.
Autauga, Bibb, Butler, Chilton, Clarke, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo and Monroe counties were listed as contiguous disaster counties.
Farmers in these counties have eight months from Sept. 18, 2024 (the date of a secretarial disaster declaration) to apply for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. FSA considers each emergency loan application on its own merit, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator.
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Peanut Leaders Call for Swift Action in D.C. | |
U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF) representatives recently visited Washington, D.C., and met with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, plus senior agricultural staffers, to discus economic assistance, natural disaster assistance and the farm bill.
Representing Alabama were Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) Executive Director Libbie Johnson; Coffee County farmer and APPA President Carl Sanders; and APPA board member and Henry County farmer Thomas Adams.
The current economics of row crop agriculture are tough for farmers, said Sanders, who raises peanuts, cotton and corn.
"Many growers are questioning how to continue farming in 2025," Sanders said. "With the season drawing to an end, this visit to D.C. was imperative to let our elected officials know how dire the situation is. The concern and interest in potential solutions we received from our legislators and staff from both sides of the aisle was palpable. Everyone knows that food and fiber production is imperative to the safety and independence of the U.S.”
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Ag Credit Awards $50,000 to Five Beginning Farmers | |
Alabama Ag Credit recently awarded $50,000 to beginning farmers through its JumpStart Grant Program. Five farm families in its 40-county territory who have been farming for less than two years or plan to start farming within the next year received $10,000 each to develop their operations.
Applicants were judged on business plans, financial understanding and proposed use of funds.
Recipients include:
- Josh and Bailey Williams, Tallapoosa County - Beef
- Justin Anderson, Pickens County - Beef
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Blake Carroll and Brittany Gulledge, Dale County - Beef
- Michael and Meagan Smith, Dale County - Fruit & Vegetable
- Marty Brunson, Montgomery County - Bee & Honey
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Cullman County Farmer Appointed to American Lamb Board | |
Cullman County's Jimmy Parker was recently appointed to serve a three-year term on the American Lamb Board.
The 13-member board is composed of six producers, three feeders, three first handlers and one seedstock producer.
Parker is the Alabama Farmers Federation State Sheep & Goat Committee chairman.
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Huberts Win Soul of the South Award | |
Madison County's Seth and Kaylee Hubert of Hubert Family Farms were recently honored as the farming & agriculture winner during the Soul of the South Awards Ceremony.
The Huberts grow tulips and sunflowers in New Market and open their farm for agritourism in spring and fall.
The couple serves as ex-officio board members of the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association.
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AU Livestock Coach Scores National Honor | |
Auburn University's livestock judging team coach Jesse Henson was named the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Coach of the Year during the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky, in November.
The award is based on nominations from fellow coaches across the country, and recognizes student development, program accomplishments and commitment to excellence in judging programs.
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Federation Launches Alfa Health Plans Resource | |
The Alabama Farmers Federation recently launched AHealthyOption.org, an easy-to-use resource highlighting the need for affordable, convenient, quality Alfa Health Plans. The website houses stories and testimonials from real farmers and small-business owners who are championing cost-effective health care coverage.
Legislation that would allow creation of Alfa Health Plans will be introduced in the 2025 Legislative Session. Similar legislation in 10 states has lowered members’ health coverage costs anywhere from 30% to 60%.
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Federation Annual Meeting is Dec. 8-10 | |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation 103rd annual meeting is Dec. 8-10 in Montgomery.
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AFVGA Annual Conference is Feb. 5-7 | |
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The Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association's annual conference is Feb. 5-7 in Gulf Shores.
Highlights:
- Farm Tours
- Breakout Sessions & Workshops
- Farm Market Speed Dating, sponsored by Sweet Grown Alabama
- AFVGA Business Session & Awards Breakfast (ticketed event)
- AFVGA Family Social
Early bird registration ends Dec. 31. The cost is $175. Regular registration ends Jan. 19 and is $225.
Book lodging separately by Jan. 6.
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Apply for OYFF by Jan. 10 | |
Young Farmers Conference is Feb. 14-16 | |
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The Young Farmers Conference is Feb. 14-16 in Muscle Shoals.
Highlights:
- '90s Country Music Night
- Farm Tours
- Announcement of Outstanding Young Farm Family Finalists
- Live Auction Benefiting the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation
Register by Jan. 3.
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Register for Jr. Livestock Expo | |
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Exhibitors can now register for the Jr. Livestock Expo.
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March 7, Dairy Show Registration ends Jan. 13
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March 12-15, Beef Show Registration ends Dec. 16
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March 14-15, Swine Show Registration ends Jan. 6
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The Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences is seeking applications for a youth livestock education program manager. This is a 12-month, administrative professional position responsible for directing and leading youth livestock educational programs. Click here for more information.
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Aspiring entrepreneurs whose ideas center on agriculture or agricultural technology can now apply for HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s Navigate business mentoring program. The program is open to candidates from north Alabama and the Wiregrass. Click here to 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, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Support the fundraiser here.
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Simply Southern TV Continues Season 10 | |
Follow Simply Southern on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest news about the show. | |
Enjoy more episodes of Season 10!
Dec. 7 and 8: Drones on farms with Dr. Steve Li, Hills & Dales Estate in Georgia, quilting with Betty Gaines Kennedy of Wilcox County and a Southern Bite recipe for Easy Cheese Straw Cookies.
This show will not air on RFD-TV on Wednesday, Nov. 11, due to the networks coverage of the National Rodeo Finals.
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