USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) encourages farmers and landowners across the Southeast, who have yet to try their new secure online portal, Conservation Client Gateway, to do so. James Tillman, NRCS southeast regional conservationist, says this is a way to take care of business through NRCS without having to drive in to a local office. Download Audio
Commissioner Putnam Names Cheryl Flood as Florida State Fair Executive Director
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that he has appointed Cheryl Flood as the Executive Director of the Florida State Fair. Flood has served as Interim Director over the past six months and has contributed to the Florida State Fair since 2011. “Cheryl’s passion for the Florida …
USDA Announces $18.9 Million to Improve Research Facilities at 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: GREENSBORO, N.C., Aug. 29, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $18.9 million in renewal awards to build or improve agricultural and food science research facilities and equipment at historically black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities. Today’s announcement builds on USDA’s ongoing efforts to foster …
USDA Designates 3 More Counties in Georgia as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Greene, Haralson and Morgan counties in Georgia as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Georgia also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. Those …
USDA Designates Talladega County in Alabama as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Talladega County in Alabama as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, St. Clair and Shelby counties in Alabama also qualify for natural disaster assistance …
Florida Local Food Summit to be held September 8-10 in Orlando
From the Florida Local Food Summit: (GAINESVILLE, Fla.) – Florida Organic Growers, East End Market and Local Roots Distribution have partnered to host the second annual Florida Local Food Summit slated for Thursday, September 8 through Saturday, September 10 at East End Market, 3201 Corrine Drive in Orlando and various other locations. The summit will be an opportunity for our …
The Cotton Board Recommends $70 Million Cotton Incorporated Budget to Secretary of Agriculture
From the Cotton Board: (MEMPHIS, Tenn.) – During its Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona The Cotton Board reviewed and voted to recommend Cotton Incorporated’s proposed 2017 budget of $70 million to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Cotton Board also elected new Officers for the 2016/2017 Program Year. The $70 million budget and Research and Promotion Plan for 2017 will be …
Martin County Challenges New Water Standards
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Pointing to concerns about increased chemicals going into Lake Okeechobee and nearby waterways, Martin County has filed a legal challenge to controversial new state water-quality standards. The case, filed this week at the state Division of Administrative Hearings, is the fourth challenge to the standards, which were
Statement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Latest Quarterly Export Forecasts for 2016 and 2017
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement on the first forecast for U.S. agricultural exports for fiscal year 2017 and a revised forecast for fiscal year 2016. Both forecasts indicate U.S. agricultural exports have begun to rally and will continue the record-setting pace that began in 2009.
Legal Challenges Mount over New Water Standards in Florida
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA By JIM SAUNDERS THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, August 24, 2016………. After the Seminole Tribe of Florida launched a legal challenge earlier in the month, the city of Miami and a paper-mill industry group also are taking aim at controversial new state water-quality standards.