honey bees

Researchers: Blue-Green Algae Can Protect Honey Bees

Dan Environment, Pollinators, Research, This Land of Ours, USDA-ARS

A new way to protect important pollinators. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Scientists at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) developed an edible antiviral treatment that can be used to protect honey bees against Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and other viruses. Honeybees are important agricultural pollinators. However, viruses, including DWV, are linked to the deaths of millions of …

specialty crop

Risk Management Tool for Specialty Crop Producers

Dan Crop Insurance, Economy, Specialty Crops, USDA-RMA

The RMA is making it easier for specialty crop growers to find crop insurance agents. The Risk Management Agency says finding the right risk management tools for specialty crops and smaller-scale farmers can be daunting. RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger says the agency has developed a new searchable directory to make it easier for those producers to find the right agents. …

international

International Complications for U.S. Exports

Dan Exports/Imports, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)

Agricultural exports a heading down from a post-pandemic peak as experts deal with international complications that can stunt export growth or, sometimes, stop exports altogether. According to USDA, the value of U.S. agricultural exports peaked in fiscal year 2022 but declined in 2023. In 2023, the total export value was $178.7 billion, which was $17 billion less than in 2022. …

signup

Signup Deadline Nearing for Alabama’s ACEP-ALE Easement Program

Dan Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), Alabama, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) reminds eligible entities that the Fiscal Year 2024 Farm Bill Easement and Financial Assistance Programs signup deadline is March 31, 2024 for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE). Eligible entities may submit proposals to NRCS to acquire a conservation easement on eligible agricultural land. NRCS does not accept applications for ACEP-ALE …

Florida landowners

Florida Landowners Encouraged to Apply for RCPP

Dan Florida, Forestry, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

Florida landowners interested in aligning their land uses with conservation values and practices have an opportunity to apply for Entity Held Conservation Easementsopportunities in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS) and Tall Timbers Research, Inc. through April 5, 2024. Landowners who applied for the recent Florida Department of Consumer Services Rural and Family Lands Protection Program cycle are encouraged to apply for …

conservation

USDA-NRCS Seeks Proposals from Conservation Minded Partners in Georgia

Dan Conservation, Environment, Georgia, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) is requesting proposals to assist with implementing some key priorities. The objective of this Notice of Funding is to obtain Technical Services and Projects to enhance Conservation Technical Assistance and Farm Bill Program Delivery across Georgia. But, proposals for this funding are due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on March 23, 2024. Conservation minded …

Georgians Recognized at AQHA Convention

Will Jordan Equine, Features, General, Georgia, Livestock, Livestock News

Georgians were well represented at the American Quarter Horse Association Convention last week in Las Vegas. The Windy Hill Ranch from Waynesboro received the 50-Year Legacy Breeder Recognition for their commitment to raising and registering “America’s Horse” for over five decades. Focusing on raising high-quality all-around horses, Windy Hill Ranch was led by J.W. “Squat” and Betty Bailey. Highlighted during …

direct-to-consumer

Global Direct-to-Consumer Food Market Growing

Dan Agri-Business, This Land of Ours

The direct-to-consumer food market is becoming more popular. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The global direct-to-consumer (DTC) food market is growing fast, according to a new report from Research and Markets. The growth of the DTC food market is driven by the rising adoption of convenience foods, growing online purchases of food products, and the increasing number …