Late last week the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass their version of the 2018 Farm Bill. One of the biggest reasons why was the fact Democrats had said all along they would vote against the bill due to their opposition of the stricter work requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). During a recent tele-conference, House Agriculture …
Potential Tropical System to Hit the Southeast
There have been no tropical storms yet this year, but a new system is raising concerns for some. And according to a story from Stephanie Ho, despite formation, more heavy rain is expected for the Southeast. Potential Tropical System to Hit the Southeast We acknowledge the use of imagery from the NOAA Satellite Maps application: Imagery and Data/Infrared Map Sponsored …
UF/IFAS Researchers May Use Fungi to Control Deadly Crop Disease
A group of fungi might fight a disease that’s dangerous to tomatoes and specialty crops. University of Florida scientists hope to develop this biological strategy as they add to growers’ tools to help control Fusarium wilt. Tomatoes are the number one vegetable crop in Florida. In 2017, approximately 28,000 acres of tomatoes were commercially harvested, with a production value of …
Celebrating National Hamburger Month
Continuing to celebrate food month, Cathy Isom has her eyes on a big juicy, delicious meal. She has some great ways of celebrating the mainstay of backyard barbecues and the cash cow of fast food restaurants. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Celebrating National Hamburger Month The month of May celebrates many foods and food holidays, in particular …
Tentative Next Steps for House Farm Bill
The House Farm Bill will get another vote on June 22 after a separate vote on a conservative immigration bill. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise announced the schedule on Monday. The conservative immigration bill is sponsored by House Judiciary Chair Bob Goodlatte of Virginia and Homeland Security Chair Michael McCaul of Texas. Roll Call reports the bill contains border wall …
What’s Next for China-U.S. Trade?
Politico says the preliminary trade agreement between China and the U.S. announced over the weekend raises more questions than it answers. No one knows how soon it comes together and things start to happen. While China agreed to buy significantly more American agricultural products, there aren’t any hard numbers attached to that promise yet. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will …
Farmers for Free Trade Suggestions on Improving China/U.S. Trade Relations
Farmers for Free Trade call the framework of a trade agreement between the U.S. and China as a good first step toward ending tensions that have hurt American agriculture. The group applauds the Trump Administration’s focus on supporting U.S. agricultural exports. However, they do note that there’s still a lot of work to do in order to put a solid …
Farmers Union Wants Immediate Action on E15 Waiver
The Environmental Protection Agency’s delay in allowing year-round use of E15 gasoline threatens to harm markets for family farmers. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, urging the EPA to immediately institute a waiver for summertime sales of E15. Johnson says the year-round use of E15 would have significant benefits for farmers, the …
House Members Want Thailand Ban of U.S. Pork Ended
Members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Taiwan’s Ambassador to the U.S. asking for the removal of import restrictions on American agricultural products, including pork. The bipartisan letter was signed by 44 House members and sponsored by Republican David Young of Iowa and Wisconsin Democrat Ron Kind. The letter calls for the U.S. to suspend trade benefits …
Organic Farmers Association Applauds Organic Checkoff Withdrawal
The Organic Farmers Association is happy the U.S. Department of Agriculture took action to terminate the rulemaking process to establish a mandatory national research and promotion program for organic. The proposed program was causing divisions among the organic community. Checkoff programs must have the support of an entire industry to be implemented, which this didn’t have. The proposed Organic Research …