By Jaci Schreckengost The peanut breeding program at the University of Florida’s (UF) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Marianna, Florida, is helping growers in the Southeast by creating new peanut breeds. The breeding program uses applied genetics to create varieties with characteristics that will be beneficial to growers, says Barry Tillman, associate professor of the program. Due …
Soybean Rust Spreading Across Alabama
After a few weeks of consistently wet weather, soybean rust is making its annual march from the Gulf Coast to north Alabama. Spurred on by wet leaves and strong winds, the fungal disease popped up in 33 of Alabama’s 67 counties. Alabama Extension specialist Dr. Dennis Delaney weighed in on the development and offered advice to soybean farmers across the …
NIFA Support for Food and Agricultural National Needs Fellowship Grants Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $3.1 million in available funding to train the next generation of policymakers, researchers, and educators in the food and agricultural sciences. There is a significant shortfall between the number of jobs being created and availability of graduates with bachelor or higher degrees in the food, …
Funding to Train More Than 100 Future Agricultural Science Professionals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced $12.6 million to support the training of 55 doctoral candidates and 52 postdoctoral scholars. Funding is made through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “Agricultural science depends on new ideas and new perspectives,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “NIFA …
NCBA Working on New ELD Rules
Cattle operations across the country may be affected by the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Executive Director of Government Affairs, Allison Cooke, explains what the new ELD rules are all about. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World …
Georgia Congressman Carter on Rural Revitalization
During his trip to Tifton, Georgia last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue held a listening session for his Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, created by President Trump. Afterward, Tyron Spearman had a chance to talk with U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter from Georgia about this effort. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle …
Cotton the Main Crop Taking the Brunt of Losses from Harvey
Cotton producers in the path of Harvey will be filing a lot of crop insurance claims over the next few weeks. Gary Crawford 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 …
Case Studies Show Big Economic Benefits of Soil Health Practices
Soil health practices such as cover crops and no-till can result in an economic return of over $100 per acre, according to a set of case studies jointly released by the National Association of Conservation Districts and Datu Research, LLC. Cover crops and no-till can limit soil loss, reduce run-off, enhance biodiversity, and more. Naturally, farmers who are considering adopting these practices …
Specialty Crop Growers Want Changes to NAFTA
Specialty crop growers are more than ready to see changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While certain agriculture industries have fared well from the agreement, such as potatoes, apples and cherries, specialty crops have not. Established in 1994, NAFTA created free trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, the United States specialty crop industry is …
Final Day for Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Nominations
Today, September 1, is the final day to make nominations for the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame class of 2018. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is again partnering with the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation to recognize outstanding individuals nominated by Florida’s agricultural community. Inductees will be honored at the annual banquet during the Florida State …