Alabama EQIP Signup Deadline is Next Week

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist for Alabama, Ben Malone, wants to remind landowners in the state that the signup batching deadline for Fiscal Year 2019 for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and initiatives offered through the program is April 25. With EQIP programs, eligible producers may receive a payment based on the statewide average cost of the installation …

Florida Conservation Easement Signup Ends Next Week

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners that applications to fund agricultural easements in Florida are being accepted until April 25. NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through two programs, the Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). Through ALE, NRCS provides financial assistance to conservation partners for …

Lawmakers Look to Hemp as New Industry while Vegetable Gardens Headed to House Floor

With supporters pointing to the potential of a new industry, a House committee Thursday approved a plan for regulating production of hemp. The bill (HB 333), approved by the House State Affairs Committee, would create a regulatory framework that would be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which is led by Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a …

Weak Honey Bee Colonies May Fail From Cold Exposure During Shipping

Cold temperatures inside honey bee colonies may cause colony losses during and after long-distance hauling, according to a preliminary study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. Every year almost 2 million honey bee colonies—nearly two-thirds of the managed colonies in the United States—are loaded aboard semi-trailers and shipped across the country multiple times to pollinate crops like California almonds. But within days …

U.S., Japan to Accelerate Trade Talks towards Agreement

The U.S. and Japan this week agreed to accelerate trade talks to advance a trade agreement. The first round of talks focused on agriculture and cars, according to Bloomberg News. Japan’s Economic Revitalization Minister will meet again next week with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to continue the negotiation. Japan is seeking to avoid U.S. tariffs on cars exported to …

Meat Production Decrease, Milk Production Increase

New numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows meat production is down slightly in most categories, while milk production is forecast to increase this year, compared to last year. Stephanie Ho has the story. 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 …

Florida Ag Commissioner Fried Meets with South Florida Farmers

Florida Agriculture Commissioner “Nikki” Fried joined a modest but representative group of south Florida farmers at Bedner Farms Wednesday near Boynton Beach, for an informal lunch and informational exchange about issues of concern to agriculture in the region. Water, weed, trade and the Department’s Fresh From Florida marketing campaign were among topics mentioned in her remarks after lunch, and she …

U.S Peanut Exports Holding Strong

The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates exports of U.S peanuts are holding strong. Tyron Spearman looks at some of those numbers. 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 …