NIFA Invests in Research to Help Boost Organic Farming, Ranching

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grants to help farmers and ranchers grow and market high-quality organic food, fiber, and other products. The grants are funded through the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and Organic Transitions Program (ORG). “Organic farming is one of many approaches to making American agriculture sustainable …

Putnam Speaks to Florida Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam joined Governor Rick Scott to discuss the recent agricultural damage caused by Hurricane Irma and to request federal assistance. The following are excerpts from his remarks: “The Florida delegation has a long history of coming together in the aftermath of these types of disasters and bringing the full weight of the third largest …

Farm Bill Discussion at Florida Organic Food & Farming Summit

By Jaci Schreckengost Discussion about the possible effects of the 2018 farm bill on organic growers was one of the topics at the recent Florida Organic Food & Farming Summit. With the farm bill expiring in September 2018, many are eager to speak their minds to let those writing the new farm bill know what has and has not worked …

Rep. Matt Caldwell Announces Tax Relief Plan for Florida Agriculture Post Irma

Representative Matt Caldwell announced his proposed tax relief plan to help Florida farmers recover from the damage left in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The plan includes proposed cuts to Florida’s Tangible Personal Property Tax and Motor Fuel Tax, which are taxes that nearly every farmer, ag-related business, and the small business pay. Representative Matt Caldwell said, “After touring the …

Yields High, Prices Low for Alabama’s Corn Crop

Alabama farmers planted fewer acres of corn this year, but high yields could elevate the harvest to near record levels. “Good yields are always a blessing,” said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady. “Farmers need high yields to help offset low prices this year.” U.S. Department of Agriculture spring reports showed Alabama farmers planted 240,000 acres of corn, a 27 …

Commissioner Putnam Releases Estimate on Hurricane Irma Damage

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, has released an initial estimate on agriculture damage from Hurricane Irma. The estimate will serve as a baseline as policymakers create a disaster relief package for those impacted by the storm. Although these estimates are not final, they are a starting point. The document includes estimates on crop loss and cost of damages. Right now, …

Declining Peanut Crop Conditions in Florida

Officials in Florida are reporting a major outbreak of declining crop conditions with plants turning brown and dying. Tyron Spearman has the 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 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides …

Round Four of NAFTA Negotiations Going on This Week

Top trade negotiators for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are holding round four of the NAFTA negotiations. Gary Crawford has the story.         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 …

Insects Beneficial for Your Garden or Farm

Cathy Isom tells you about a few of the bugs and pests that you do want hanging around your garden or farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.     When it comes to our gardens or farms, its normal to want to protect our plants from predatory pests. But not all insects are bad. So it’s important to …