Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 13 individuals to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Members newly appointed to serve three-year terms are: Ernesto Chamberlain, Nogales, Ariz. Christian Murillo, Nogales, Ariz. Dan O’Connor, Pompano Beach, Fla. Chadelle Robinson, Las Cruces, N.M. Gerardo A. Lozano, Edinburg, Texas Ward Thomas, McAllen, Texas Members re-appointed include: Mathew Singletary, Alva, Fla. …
Peanut Export Update
According to the latest numbers, U.S. peanut exports are down to start off the new trading year. Tyron Spearman has the details. Peanut Export Update 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 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides …
NRCS Reminds Landowners about EQIP
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a variety of programs that can benefit producers and landowners in many ways. One of those is the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). It provides financial and technical assistance to producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality. NRCS Acting Chief Leonard …
Livestock Producers Taking Part in NASS Surveys
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is busy each and every month with various surveys. Some are local and regional, while some are for producers across the nation. When it comes to livestock, there are two surveys they work with in December. National Operations Division Director for NASS, Joe Prusacki, tells us what those are. Livestock Producers Taking Part in …
Trump Administration Appoints David McCurdy to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA/FSA in Alabama
The Trump Administration recently appointed David McCurdy as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Alabama Farm Service Agency (FSA). McCurdy began his new position on Dec. 11. McCurdy has worked for FSA for the past 30 years and most recently as a district director. As district director, he provided oversight for 10 FSA offices covering 19 counties …
Florida Commissioner’s Spotlight: FRESH! Recipe – Broccoli and Tomato Salad
Need a side dish that compliments just about any meal? On this week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam is joined by Executive Chef Justin Timineri to share his latest recipe video, Broccoli and Tomato Salad. Recipe – Broccoli and Tomato Salad Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida …
Foraging for a Viable Food Source
Cathy Isom has some interesting tips on foraging for a pesky weed that’s also a viable food source. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Foraging for a Viable Food Source There is one dark leafy green that crops up everywhere and has a common misperception of being a weed. It’s called a plantain – and it’s something you may …
FCA Reports on Agricultural Economic Conditions
The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) released a quarterly report on economic issues affecting agriculture and updated the financial condition of the Farm Credit System. The report says the USDA is predicting farm income will stabilize near its historical average. The USDA is predicting an increase in farm income, rising from $93.3 billion in 2016 to 96.9 billion in 2017. Factors …
Coalition Wants Federal Ag Budget to Increase
More than 70 agricultural groups sent a letter to congressional leaders asking for an increase in the agricultural budget for the 2018 Ag Appropriations Bill that Congress is developing. The Hagstrom Report quotes the letter as saying the coalition includes groups from the food, agriculture, scientific, academic, veterinary, and consumer sectors. The letter says, “We urge you to substantially increase …
Republican Governors Meet VP About NAFTA
Four Republican Governors met with Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday to discuss their concerns about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations. Reuters says the governor’s wanted to talk about their serious concerns regarding proposed changes to the agreement that they say could affect manufacturing and jobs in their states. The meetings included Governors Kim Reynolds of Iowa, …