The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week that in the first month of the application period, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) approved more than $7 billion in payments to agricultural producers in the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. CFAP 2 provides producers with financial assistance to help absorb some of the increased marketing costs …
USDA Lure Attracts Live Asian Giant Hornets, Helps Lead to Nest Discovery
(USDA/ARS) — A scent lure designed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists to attract Asian giant hornets played a key role in the discovery of the first nest of these invasive insects in the United States. Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) entomologists have verified several finds of Asian giant hornets in Whatcom County since December 2019. They have been …
Wayne Farms’ Clint Rivers Installed for Second Term as Chairman of the National Chicken Council
(NCC) — Clint Rivers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Farms LLC (Oakwood, Georgia) was installed for a second term as 2020-2021 Chairman of the National Chicken Council (NCC) during NCC’s Fall Board of Directors meeting, held virtually this week. Clint joined Wayne Farms in October 2012 as Vice President and General Manager of the Fresh Business Unit. In 2014, he was promoted to …
Could the Miracle Fruit be for South Florida?
New study uncovers data showing how bountiful it can grow in the subtropics (UF/IFAS) — Scientists at University of Florida’s Tropical Research and Education Center have unlocked the mystery behind a highly sought-after berry known as the Miracle fruit in a study published this week. This news brings much needed insight to local growers, and food and drink manufacturers who …
Various Issues for Peanut Crops
There are various issues affecting not only this year’s, but possibly even next year’s peanut crop. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June …
National FFA Announces 2020 National Agricultural Proficiency Winners
(National FFA Organization) — Nine winners of the 2020 Agricultural Proficiency Awards were named during the fourth general session of the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 28, which is being held virtually this year. Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. …
New Blueberry Variety Honors Benefactor and UF Alumnus Alto Straughn
(UF/IFAS) — When Patricio Muñoz developed the University of Florida’s newest blueberry variety, he wanted to name the fruit in honor of Alto Straughn, a longtime, strong supporter of UF’s blueberry breeding program. Muñoz decided to call the new variety the ‘Sentinel.’ “A ‘sentinel’ is a watcher or guardian,” said Muñoz, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticultural sciences. “It is …
National FFA Announces Winners for National FFA Agriscience Fair
(National FFA Organization) — The National FFA Organization has announced the 2020 National FFA Agriscience Fair winners for power, structural and technical systems. The winners were recognized today during the fourth general session of the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo, held virtually this year. The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural enterprises. …
Report Says U.S. Ag. Sales to China up Considerably
The U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture have issued a report outlining the progress under the Phase One Trade Agreement with China. Gary Crawford has the story. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers …
GCC Pleased with EPA Decision
By Clint Thompson Count the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) as one of the many agricultural organizations encouraged by and pleased with the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision regarding the future use of three dicamba products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency press release, the EPA approved new registrations for two “over-the-top” (OTT) dicamba products—XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology and Engenia Herbicide—and extended …