by Ellison Langford, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Laurel wilt disease has killed as many as half-a-billion trees. And,a new study by a researcher with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences suggests it may have been spread by a single insect cloning itself. “In biology, there is no evidence of a single strain …
Agriculture Groups Approve USDA Reorganization Announcement
Alabama Farmers Federation The Alabama Farmers Federation today joined farm groups nationwide in praising U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue’s creation of a trade and foreign agriculture affairs undersecretary as part of reorganizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “The reorganization initiated by Secretary Perdue is encouraging,” said Federation National Legislative Programs Director Mitt Walker. “By adding an undersecretary solely …
Secretary Perdue Announces Creation of Undersecretary for Trade
Reorganization of USDA Elevates Rural Development as Department Priority U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the creation of an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a recognition of the ever-increasing importance of international trade to American agriculture. Perdue made the announcement standing by barges filled with agricultural products along the banks …
Mother’s Day on the Farm
Supermom Angela Starling from Live Oak, Florida, has three full-time jobs: mother, farmer and director of a medical/surgical department. She takes care of kids and family, baby goats and cows, abandoned dogs, a rescue horse–and their land. A mother’s work is never done. Cliff and Angela were high school sweethearts. After marriage, college, having kids and moving with Cliff’s job …
UF Entomologist Recognized for Helping Farmers in Myanmar
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences A global organization has recognized a University of Florida entomologist for his volunteer work in Myanmar, where he helped tropical food growers improve their pest management practices. Daniel Carrillo, an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, was one of 126 …
EPA Extends Timeline for Pesticide Applicators Rule
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt announced a 12-month extension for implementation of the revised final Certification and Training of Pesticide Applicators (C&T) rule. EPA received feedback from states and stakeholders that more time and resources are needed to prepare for compliance with the rule. The extended timeline will enable EPA to work with states and provide adequate compliance …
WASDE Report Shows Increase in Livestock and Poultry Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released their May World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report this week, and in the Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy section, it notes that total red meat and poultry production for 2018 is projected to be higher than 2017 due to an increase in livestock and poultry production. Cattle placements during second half 2017 and …
NPPC President Ken Maschhoff on USDA Establishing an Undersecretary for Trade
NPPC is very pleased that Secretary Perdue is establishing within USDA an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, a position that we and others in agriculture fought to get included in the 2014 Farm Bill. Clearly, the Trump administration recognizes the importance of exports to U.S. agriculture, which has a trade surplus. The new undersecretary can help convey our …
Pleased with Protection for Farmworkers
A bill introduced last week in the U.S. Senate would give farmworkers a path to legal status and citizenship. And during a conference call this week Arturo Rodriguez, president of the United Farm Workers of America, was pleased with introduction of this legislation. California Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced the legislation and explains how it works. More information about the new …
The Danger of Consuming Raw Eggs
Cathy Isom tells us about the safety concern when using raw eggs in recipes. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really safe or healthy to use raw eggs in a recipe, listen up. Right now eggs can contain salmonella which is a germ that you can’t see it …