(UF/IFAS) — University of Florida scientists have developed a tool to unlock the genetic traits that pinpoint the vanilla variety that produces an abundance of beans, grows efficiently and sustainably, with consumer-approved taste. As part of their breeding program, scientists with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) believe their work is an essential tool that will be …
Peanut Deliveries and Marketing Report
The Federal State Inspection Service is reporting on peanut deliveries. There are still plenty of buying points across Georgia, Florida, and Alabama that are bring in peanuts a little bit late. Tyron Spearman has some nukmbers for you, along with other peanut news. Other marketing news across the board. They are still selling peanuts for Christmas. You might want to …
Parson Brown Research Funded
Researchers looking into the possibility that the old Parson Brown orange might fare better than Hamlins in the face of HLB will be funded by the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). CRDF Chief Operating Officer Rick Dantzler said the organization agreed to fund the project for $53,000 during its December meeting. The funding had been under consideration for several …
Appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board Announced
(CBB) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 28 members to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB). All appointed members will serve three-year terms beginning February 2021 and ending February 2024, with the exception of one Importer Unit appointee who will serve a one-year term. Newly appointed members are: • Caleb Plyler, Hope, …
Ethanol Industry Needs Support, as COVID-19 Losses Near $4 Billion
With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, state and local governments are taking additional actions to limit travel and promote social distancing. In turn, consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline is rapidly falling again, threatening to derail an already tenuous economic recovery in the ethanol industry. Through November, U.S. ethanol producers had already lost $3.8 billion since the start of the pandemic, according …
NPPC Supports Tai Nomination as U.S. Trade Representative
(NPPC) — President-Elect Joe Biden on Thursday nominated Katherine Tai to be the U.S. Trade Representative. Since 2017, she has been the chief trade counsel for the House Ways and Means Committee and previously served in the Office of the United States Trade Representative as chief counsel for China Trade Enforcement. The following statement may be attributed to National Pork …
The Many Uses of a Seasonal Fruit During the Holidays
The many uses of a seasonal fruit during the holidays. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Oranges are a Christmas tradition. Sometimes they come in the form of a clementine or a tangerine. And, they’re not just for eating or stocking stuffers. There are so many ways we can make the most of this seasonal fruit during the …
AFBF Welcomes Nomination of Katherine Tai for U.S. Trade Representative
(AFBF) — President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate Katherine Tai to be U.S. Trade Representative. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “We’re pleased President-elect Biden will reportedly nominate Katherine Tai to be the next U.S. Trade Representative. America’s farmers and ranchers rely on a fair marketplace to compete globally and it’s …
Brazil’s Orange Forecast: Less Fruit, More Drop
The 2020–21 orange crop forecast for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt in Brazil is 269.36 million boxes. The updated forecast was published Dec. 10 by Fundecitrus and its cooperators. The decrease of 17.36 million boxes represents a 6 percent decline in crop size from the September forecast update. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONSExpected production was significantly hindered by late …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on December USDA Citrus Forecast
(FDACS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released updated projections for citrus production in the 2020-21 season. The December forecast projects a 2 percent decrease in production, with a projected 56 million boxes of Florida Oranges, 4.4 million boxes of Florida Grapefruit, and 1.1 million boxes of specialty citrus. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried offered the following statement: “When Americans think of wellness and …