USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama reminds landowners in the Northwest and Northeast parts of the state that a federal investment is being made this year for restoration of forests near growing communities to reduce wildfire threats, protect water supplies, improve wildlife habitat and support rural economies. Play Audio
Officials Hope New Law Will Help with Abandoned Citrus Grove Issue
Florida citrus officials are hoping a new state law that starts July 1st will see more efforts being made to remove abandoned citrus groves in the state. To read more about this story click here. Download Audio
Florida Bear Hunt Proposal Ready for Commission
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA By JIM TURNER THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, June 17, 2016………. A bear hunt this fall would be broken into three four-day periods, with hunters applying on a first-come, first-served basis for permits that would be specific to dates and areas, under a staff recommendation that will go before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission …
Farmers Urged to Contact EPA on Atrazine
From the National Corn Growers Association: The National Corn Growers Association this week urged farmers to submit comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, following publication of the Agency’s draft Ecological Risk Assessment for atrazine, an herbicide used for weed control in growing corn and other crops. If it stands, EPA’s recommendation would effectively ban the use of atrazine in
Florida NRCS Provides Assistance through EWP
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida wants to remind landowners that if your area suffers damage from a natural disaster, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) can help. Download Audio
UF/IFAS Expert Says Whitefly Species Likely to Cause Growers’ Problems
From the University of Florida/IFAS: By: Brad Buck GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences expert predicts the Q-biotype whitefly discovered in April in Palm Beach County will likely cause problems for growers. The Q-biotype whitefly – not to be confused with the B-biotype, which came to Florida in the mid-1980s – is now …
Citrus Agency Cuts Staff, Keeps Juice Flowing for Visitors
The News Service of Florida by Jim Turner Free orange juice will continue to be available to travelers at Florida welcome centers as the Department of Citrus squeezes staff to help the embattled industry. The Florida Citrus Commission on Tuesday approved a preliminary $20.7 million budget that will eliminate 20 of 46 positions at the Department of Citrus, including 14 …
12 Public, Private Universities Calling for Increased Federal Investment in Agricultural Research
From the University of Florida/IFAS: By: Samantha Grenrock WASHINTON, D.C. – The University of Florida and 12 other prominent research institutions in the United States joined the SoAR Foundation today in calling for a surge in federal support of food and agricultural science. “Retaking the Field,” the report released by this coalition, highlights recent scientific innovations and illustrates how U.S. …
NACD Welcomes H.R. 5451 Bill To Keep Red Tape At Bay
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is pleased to support H.R. 5451, legislation introduced by Reps. Ann Kuster, D-N.H., and Rick Crawford, R-Ark., that would exempt landowners who participate in voluntary conservation programs from costly and unnecessary reporting requirements. “Federal reporting requirements were never intended to burden farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners,” NACD CEO Jeremy Peters said. “They were …
Alabama Livestock Producers Encouraged to Talk with NRCS
Alabama State Conservationist Ben Malone encourages livestock producers across his state to be in touch with their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office to make sure they are aware of programs that can help on their operations. Download Audio