(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/March 26, 2024) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the protection of over 8,000 acres of Florida agricultural land through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. With today’s approval by the Governor and Cabinet, approximately 8,349 acres of working agricultural lands will be preserved through cost-effective rural land protection easements …
Researchers: Blue-Green Algae Can Protect Honey Bees
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 …
USDA-NRCS Seeks Proposals from Conservation Minded Partners in Georgia
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 …
Bill Solidifies Critical Fertilizer Minerals
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) thanks the U.S. Senate for introducing bipartisan legislation to include phosphate and potash on the final list of critical minerals of the Department of the Interior. TFI says the legislation will recognize the importance of ensuring a strong and sustainable domestic fertilizer supply for American farmers. “The majority of the world’s phosphate and potash resources are concentrated …
USDA-NRCS Investing in Climate-Smart Easements
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced an investment of about $138 million in Climate-Smart Easements through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The funding, from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, is the largest climate investment in history. The selected ACEP projects are part of a broad investment in climate-smart agriculture and forestry. Carrie Lindig, NRCS Easement Program Division Director, explains how the Southeast can be an …
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Celebrates Preservation of Over 100,000 Acres of Agricultural Lands
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/March 18, 2024) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson proudly announced the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has now preserved over 100,000 acres of vital agricultural lands in Florida from development with the formal completion of rural land easements on Adams Ranch and Buck Island Ranch, previously approved by the Governor and Cabinet. “Reaching the milestone of preserving …
Studying Soil Moisture Maps
Grain traders have been busy studying a soil moisture map and what it could mean for the 2024 crop year. Mark Oppold has more on that, and information about National Ag Day coming up Tuesday.
Agricultural Producers to Conserve Land through Climate-Smart Easements
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest about $138 million of financial assistance from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history. This will be through 138 new climate-smart conservation easements, where farmers and ranchers are conserving wetlands, grasslands and prime farmlands. These selected Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) projects are part of a broad investment in climate-smart agriculture …
Lime Applications Essential for Georgia Cotton Growers
Georgia cotton growers are on the cusp of another planting season. The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia (UGA) Extension Cotton Team remind producers about the importance of applying lime this time of year. Camp Hand, UGA Extension cotton agronomist, discussed its significance. “I’ve seen a few lime piles around, so that’s something that definitely needs to be done …
NACD Calls to Increase Funding for Conservation Priorities
This past Saturday, President Biden signed Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations legislation into law that provides funding for several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of the Interior. And while the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) appreciates that the enactment of final federal spending legislation prevents a government shutdown and …