During the partial Federal Government shutdown, your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices are open. But, due to a lapse in federal funding, some USDA websites are not being actively updated. Once funding has been reestablished, online operations will continue. But information concerning various NRCS programs is still available at nrcs.usda.gov. NRCS offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and agricultural …
Commodity Classic Early Registration Discount Ends January 10
Thursday, January 10th is the deadline for the early registration discount for Commodity Classic—America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. The 2019 Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, February 28 through Saturday, March 2 in Orlando, Fla. To register, reserve hotel rooms and sign up for email updates, visit CommodityClassic.com. A complete schedule of events is also available on the …
New Congress Convenes as Shutdown Delays Farm Payments
New leaders convene in Congress with the need to find an end to the government shutdown. The Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies are reaching a “breaking point,” according to Politico, as many agencies are running out of carryover funding. USDA has closed Farm Service Agency offices across the nation due to the shutdown. Producers who have certified 2018 …
Vegetable Gardens Issue Pops Up in House
An effort to keep local governments out of homeowners’ vegetable gardens has returned to the House. Rep. Elizabeth Fetterhoff, R-DeLand, filed a measure (HB 145) Wednesday intended to prevent local governments from regulating homeowners’ vegetable gardens. The measure mirrors a bill (SB 82) by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, that is scheduled to be heard Tuesday in the Senate Community …
Foreign Ag Service Worked to Expand Trade in 2018
The USDA worked diligently in 2018 to expand trade opportunities around the world for U.S. ag producers. Those efforts paid off as global sales remained strong in spite of challenges in the trade arena through the year. Ted McKinney, Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, says it’s been a “rollercoaster ride this year,” but U.S. farm exports remain strong, …
DIY Mini Greenhouse for the Patio or Balcony
Cathy Isom continues her series of building mini greenhouses by telling you about a do it yourself mini greenhouse ideal for a patio or balcony. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Building your own greenhouse doesn’t have to be a lot of work or cost a lot of money. And if you are short on space, such as only …
Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for the 40th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet on Feb. 12, which will honor four inductees who have made invaluable contributions to Florida agriculture. The banquet, which each year celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders who have served in research, education and business, is held in the Special Events Center at the Florida …
Some USDA Programs Continue
Due to the Federal Government shutdown, some U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) activities have been shut down or significantly reduced and some USDA employees furloughed. But, some USDA activities continue. Tyron Spearman has more 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 …
MFP Payment Deadline May be Extended
A majority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wasn’t originally disrupted by the partial government shutdown, but now that it has moved into 2019, it is in various ways. One of those is sending the second round of Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments to farmers. Farm Journal said if the standoff continues, it will more than likely affect the timing …
Bayer Pleased with Dicamba Registration Extension
It was announced last November that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was extending the registration of Dicamba for two years for “over-the-top” use to control weeds in fields for cotton and soybean plants genetically engineered to resist Dicamba. Bayer North American Dicamba Portfolio Leader, Ryan Rubischko, says this gives farmers the opportunity to continue using this technology. Learn more about mandatory Dicamba …