The National Pork Producers Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association this week joined dozens of other agricultural organizations, businesses and municipalities in asking a federal court to throw out a Clean Water Act rule that would give the government broad jurisdiction over land and water.
USDA Releases Two-Year Strategy to Help Gopher Tortoise
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama is working with private landowners through a new two-year implementation strategy to help restore, enhance and protect longleaf pine forests not only in Alabama, but across the Southeast. It’s part of an ongoing effort to help the gopher tortoise rebound and combat the need for additional regulation of the species. Download Audio
Florida Application Deadline for Wetland Reserve Easements is November 15
Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes in Florida are being reminded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida that you have until November 15 to apply now for a Wetland Reserve Easement for fiscal year 2017 funding. Download Audio
Florida Forest Service Alerts Public to Heightened Wildfire Danger
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are urging the public to use caution with all outdoor fires due to increased wildfire danger levels throughout the state. Dry conditions have sparked wildfires in many areas of the state recently and have threatened 20 …
Statewide Meeting Was a Diamond Celebration
From the Florida Farm Bureau Federation: Orlando, Fla.—More than 600 grassroots members gathered at the Caribe Royale Orlando Resort, Oct. 26-28 to celebrate Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s 75th anniversary. Florida Farm Bureau voting delegates discussed and approved policy resolutions submitted by county Farm Bureaus throughout the state. The resolutions were adopted as policy for 2017. The meeting included award and …
Enrollment Period for 2017 Safety Net Coverage Began Tuesday
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini made an announcement that enrollment for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs began Tuesday, November 1, for the 2017 crop year coverage. Download Audio
Florida NRCS Invites Producers to Natural Resource Meeting
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida invites producers to attend its State Technical Advisory Committee meeting on November 15 in Gainesville. Discussions will be held concerning 2014 Farm Bill programs and conservation easements. Those interested are encouraged to attend, as the event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, …
St. Lucie County Citrus Grower is Re-elected to Statewide Farm Bureau Leadership Post
From the Florida Farm Bureau Federation: Orlando, Fla. – Delegates at Florida Farm Bureau’s 2016 Annual Meeting have unanimously re-elected Brant Schirard as vice president of the organization. First elected as Florida Farm Bureau vice president in 2010, Schirard will now begin his fourth consecutive term. A St. Lucie County citrus grower and a
USDA Designates 4 More Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Coosa, Cullman, Fayette and Sumter counties in Alabama as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Alabama also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. …
USDA Designates Levy County in Florida as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Levy County in Florida as a primary natural disaster area due to damage and losses caused by Hurricane Hermine that occurred on Sep. 1, 2016, through Sep. 2, 2016. Farmers and ranchers in Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist and Marion counties in …