Representative David Scott, from Georgia, has passed away at the age of 80.
He became the first African American Chair of the House Agriculture Committee , according to Politico, in the Biden Administration starting in 2021, then as Ranking Member after Republicans gained the majority in 2023. He was replaced in 2024 by current Ranking Member Angie Craig.
He is the fifth member of the 119th Congress to die since lawmakers convened last January, and he was in the running for a 13th term in the House of Representatives.
Story via Gregory Svirnovskiy and Meredith Lee Hill with Politico.
Related Stories
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on Rural Development funded Projects in Rural Communities
U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.