(UF/IFAS) — With the COVID-19 shutdowns increasing people’s need for food, some consumers rely on nonprofits for a bite to eat. To help, farmers in Florida and elsewhere are donating excess produce to food banks, said a UF/IFAS expert. In fact, some food banks are helping farmers by offsetting some of their costs, thus incentivizing growers to harvest food they …
Animal Disease Reporting List Comment Period Underway
USDA is currently accepting public comment on the list of reportable animal diseases and new ways to expedite the reporting process. Rod Bain has the story. Dr. Bruce Wagner, with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), explains existing animal health and disease reporting systems, and a proposal to create a new list of reportable animal diseases. Sponsored ContentCIR …
Alabama Farmers and Agribusinesses Eligible for Small Business Loans
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate wants to remind farmers and agribusinesses in the state facing unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, they are eligible for small business loans. The Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that farms and agribusinesses are eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans as long as …
Why Avoid Rock Dust in a Raised Garden Bed
Cathy Isom explains the chemistry behind raised bed gardening and why you should avoid rock dust in a raised garden bed. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Rock dust, in all its various forms, can be useful in some gardens. But it may not be useful in raised beds. With raised beds, at best you have 6 to …
Coronavirus-Related Cattle Industry Losses Estimated at $13.6 Billion
(NCNB) — A study released estimates cattle industry losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will reach $13.6 billion. The study was commissioned by NCBA and conducted by a team of industry-leading agricultural economists led by Derrell Peel, Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness and Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist at Oklahoma State University, to assist USDA in determining how best to …
U.S. Programs Managed on Behalf of Beef Checkoff Continue to Maintain Beef Demand
As a Beef Checkoff Contractor, NCBA Pivots to Address New Reality (NCBA) – Promotion programs being managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as a contractor to the Beef Checkoff have shifted and grown in response to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. These efforts reflect a consumer population that is concerned for their day-to-day health and the availability of delicious, safe …
New Analysis Shows U.S. Agriculture Reducing Per-Unit GHG Emissions
(FSF) — New analysis of updated data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, combined with U.S. Department of Agriculture data, shows U.S. farmers and ranchers continue to reduce per-unit greenhouse gas emissions. All told, the U.S. agricultural sector accounts for less than 10% of total U.S. emissions. That’s less than the emissions from the transportation, electricity generation and industrial sectors. …
Hog Farmers Face COVID-19 Financial Crisis
(NPPC) — The impact of COVID-19 has caused hog values to plummet, creating a financial disaster for pork producers nationwide who face a collective $5 billion loss for the remainder of the year. At a press briefing, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) outlined the crisis as described by producers and the immediate relief they are requesting from the administration …
Livestock Groups Send Letter Advocating for Needs of Rural Healthcare Providers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
(NCBA) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to request rural healthcare providers have resources and funding to properly respond to the COVID-19 virus. “Rural healthcare providers have unique needs …
Global Cotton Consumption is Substantially Down
Global consumption of cotton is substantially down. Stephanie Ho has the story. USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson has some of the details on the U.S. balance sheet for cotton. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 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 …