(FDACS) — In response to the Governor issuing a stay-at-home order due to COVID-19, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried offered the following statement on the essential role of food and agriculture workers who are exempt from this order. This exemption is consistent with the Department of Homeland Security’s identification of essential critical infrastructure workers during COVID-19 response. “Agriculture is Florida’s second-largest industry, and it’s first-largest in …
Alabama Farmers to Communicate With Children Via Virtual Field Trips
By Clint Thompson The Alabama Farmers Federation wants to take children on virtual field trips to help them learn about the different agricultural sectors that comprise the state. Throughout the next two months, different Alabama farmers will connect with children via Facebook Live every Friday morning at 10 a.m. (CT) to discuss different crops. The virtual field trips will be …
USDA Seeks Public Comment on More Revised Conservation Practice Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to 49 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. The proposed revisions were posted this week and the public comment period closes April 23, 2020. There 49 updated national conservation practice standards include: agronomic practices for water quality and …
Asking for Agriculture Assistance in Florida
(NSF) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried wants the federal government to act as quickly as possible to deliver part of a new stimulus package to aid farmers. In a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week, Fried said many of Florida’s 47 thousand growers are sitting on surpluses of products as restaurants and other establishments have closed …
Peanut Butter Usage Increasing
New numbers indicate that peanut butter usage is increasing. And according to Tyron Spearman, that trend is expected to continue. 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 Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, …
Corn Growers Have a Totally New Thing to Consider
Corn growers have plenty of things to consider when they make their planting plans, such as prices, input costs and weather. But according to a story from Gary Crawford, this year they’ve got a totally new wild card to analyze. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports that in Alabama this year, corn planted is estimated at 370,000 acres, up …
Southeastern Hay Contest Entry is Open
Producers from around the Southeast are encouraged to compete in the 2020 Southeastern Hay Contest. Submitting samples to this premier forage quality contest gives you the opportunity to prove your hay is the best. The contest is open to hay or baleage producers across 13 states, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Entries must be submitted by the farm where the …
Florida Wetland Reserve Easement Applications Due Next Week
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida reminds landowners across the state that the deadline for applications to fund Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) is coming up next Monday, April 6. Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a WRE to restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Eligible landowners can enroll in a permanent …
Perennials that Will Have a Big Impact on Your Garden
With gardening time upon us, Cathy Isom fills us in about some perennials that will have a big impact on your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of ours. Extra-tall perennials can quickly create a living privacy screen, hide an ugly fence, or add a beautiful backdrop for smaller plants to have a moment. These species all can grow …
Farmers and Other Essential Food Production Workers will Carry Permission Letters during COVID-19 Shutdown
(U.S. Sugar) — All U.S. Sugar employees and suppliers who have been deemed essential to the nation’s food supply and national security will begin carrying authorization letters to inform authorities that they are approved to be out of their homes and working. “Our farmers, workers and other essential food production vendors will continue working around the clock to keep safe, …