From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that Florida native Judi Whitson has been named the 2016 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. Judi Whitson has dedicated herself to the advancement of Florida agriculture, agriculture education and youth programs. The award, now in its 32nd year, recognizes women who …
Florida Forest Service Treats 204,000 Acres of State Forests with Prescribed
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service has announced that more than 204,000 acres of Florida state forests were treated with prescribed fire last year. Prescribed fire is a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk – and …
NMPF Asks USDA to Provide Assistance to Dairy Farmers Struggling from Global Milk Price Depression
From the National Milk Producers Federation: ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – As America’s dairy farmers endure the lowest milk prices since the Great Recession of 2009, the National Milk Producers Federation today asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide a measure of relief by purchasing at least $100 million worth of cheese products for donation to the needy – a measure …
Tax Implications of Selling Cattle during Drought
From Auburn University/ACES by Justin Miller AUBURN, Ala. – Cattle producers in north Alabama are facing drought conditions. In extreme cases of drought, producers may have to reduce their herd size to take the stress off their pasture. Selling such a large number of cattle at one time can raise concerns about the tax consequences from these sales. Producers are …
Negron Land-Buying Plan Draws Panhandle Foes
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA By JIM TURNER THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, August 11, 2016………. Two Panhandle lawmakers and a county commissioner objected Thursday to a $2.4 billion proposal by incoming Senate President Joe Negron to buy 60,000 acres of farmland south of Lake Okeechobee to help reduce toxic algae blooms in Southeast Florida waterways.
Florida NRCS EQIP Signup Underway for 2017
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida wants producers to know that signup is underway for 2017 funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Darryl Williams, District Conservationist in the Okaloosa County NRCS office explains. Download Audio
Alabama Hosts Cochran Fellowship Program Training
The state of Alabama was host to a recent training for folks from Haiti through the Cochran Fellowship Program. Lawrence McGhee, with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama, explains. Download Audio
USDA Designates 8 Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Chambers, Franklin, Jefferson, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Randolph, and St. Clair counties in Alabama as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Alabama also qualify for natural …
USDA Designates 11 Counties in Georgia as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated eleven counties in Georgia as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought. Those counties are: Barrow, Dawson, Harris, Lumpkin, Pickens, Talbot, Troup, Union, Upson, Walton and White Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Georgia …
Seminole Tribe Challenges Water Standards
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA By JIM SAUNDERS THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, August 9, 2016………. The Seminole Tribe of Florida has filed a legal challenge against controversial new state water-quality standards, arguing they don’t adequately take into account the amount of fish and other wildlife eaten by tribal members. The tribe filed the challenge Monday in the state Division of …