From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Bibb, Chilton, Lauderdale, Macon, Russell and Tuscaloosa 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 …
Specialty Crop Block Grants Awarded in Alabama
From the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries: MONTGOMERY, AL – Alabama will receive over $334,000 in funding to distribute to 14 specific project initiatives that have been approved as part of USDA’s 2016 Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program awards. “We are pleased to partner with USDA and administer the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program in Alabama,” said Commissioner …
Georgia Middle School Named Top FFA Chapter
From the National FFA Organization: INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016/National FFA Organization) – The National FFA Organization named its top chapters today during the 89th National FFA Organization & Expo. Outstanding Middle School: Madison County Middle FFA of Georgia Model of Excellence: Yelm FFA of Washington Student Development: Bullard FFA of Texas Chapter Development: Omak FFA of Washington Community Development: …
Florida NRCS EQIP Signup Deadline is Friday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida is reminding landowners across the state that Friday, October 21st is the signup deadline for 2017 funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Download Audio
Alabama Landowners Reminded NRCS Signup Deadline is Friday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind landowners that Friday, October 21st is the signup batching date for 2017 funding for various conservation programs. . Download Audio
Scott, Cabinet to Consider Conservation Deals
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet next week are expected to consider three proposed deals that would help conserve more than 14,000 acres of land. The largest deal, with a proposed cost of $16.1 million, would involve the state buying 11,027 acres in Leon and Jefferson counties from Natural Bridge Timberlands, LLC. The …
Concerns with ‘GIPSA’ Rules Sent to OMB for Review
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) last week sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review three rules related to the buying and selling of livestock and poultry. They include: an interim final rule addressing the “scope” of sections of the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) related to meat …
Alabama Producers Urged to Keep Watch for Screwworm
From the Alabama Cooperative Extension System: AUBURN, Ala.—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed three New World screwworm cases in Florida last week. Three Wild Key Deer on a wildlife refuge in Big Pine Key, Florida, are the first locally confirmed cases of New World screwworm in more than three decades. In 2007 and 2010, …
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Assesses Crop and Production Damage from Hurricane Matthew
From the Georgia Department of Agriculture: Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black joined Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long to tour farming operations in Tattnall, Screven and Evans counties in an effort to assess damage acquired by Hurricane Matthew. “After surveying the damage I think it is safe to say that it is certainly not as bad as it …
Alabama Department of Transportation Approves Drought Emergency Declaration
From the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association: We just got word that the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has approved our request for a special Drought Emergency Declaration for hay hauling. Permits are available for loads up to 12′ wide and 14′ high up to 80,000 lbs. on five axles. The PERMIT FEES are WAIVED. Simply call the permit office at 1-800-499-2782.