USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program Applications from Florida Producers in 28 Counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for applications from agricultural producers for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Ian. The application deadline has been extended to September 25, 2023. “We understand the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian and the catastrophic and widespread impacts in Florida’s agricultural communities,” said Deborah Tannenbaum, State Executive …

Global Diet Study Reinforces National Dairy Council Research

By Will Jordan A new study recently published in the European Heart Journal concluded that whole-fat dairy serves as a heart-healthy source of nutrition and is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in all world regions. To learn more about the heart healthfulness of dairy, we visited with Dr. Chris Cifelli, Senior Vice President of Nutrition …

GDA Makes Appointments to the Agriculture Commodity Commissions

(GDA/Atlanta, GA) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced appointments to thirteen of Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) administers the farmer-funded and self-help programs. Funds collected by the commissions under grower-approved market orders support that research, education, and promotion of each commodity. “As a 7th generation farmer, I know firsthand the vital role the Georgia Agriculture …

Spartz Ag Appropriations Amendment Ignites Checkoff Debate

The cattle industry is speaking out against a proposed amendment to the ag appropriations bill, and the Representative behind the amendment is firing back.  Introduced by Indiana Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05), the amendment states that none of the funds made available by the bill may be used to carry out commodity checkoff programs. Vice President of Government Affairs with the …

FDACS Seeks Input from Produce Growers on the Farm to School Program

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking input from produce growers in the state on the Farm to School Initiative. If you grow and market fresh produce of any kind, they want to hear from you. It’s all part of an effort to further develop the existing Initiative. FDACS is conducting a survey to better understand how farmers and schools are …

Keeping an Eye on the Cotton Trade

The cotton trade is something many are keeping an eye on right now. Mark Oppold reports weather conditions over the next few days may have a factor in this year’s crop. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers QuestionsJune 5, 2026Cattle Producers Proud of Efforts Funded Through the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardMay 29, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding …

More Milk Output Projected for 2024 and Lower Prices

The dairy industry has a few of its own laws of supply and demand, one of which will likely be operating next year. Gary Crawford has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers QuestionsJune 5, 2026Cattle Producers Proud of Efforts Funded Through the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardMay 29, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding Crucial For Forage …

Legislation Would Exempt Farms from Emission Reporting

Last week, a group of lawmakers introduced legislation to exclude reporting of routine emissions from livestock farms to state and local emergency response authorities. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) supports the legislation. Pork producers and other livestock industries have engaged with federal and state regulators for decades over permitting and reporting of air emissions. This engagement has included both …

Manure Recycling on the Farm

It’s another type of recycling on the farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Farmers who utilize manure as a fertilizer mostly get the aromatic livestock byproduct from their own operations. New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows most manure applied to U.S. cropland, 78 percent, comes from animals raised on the same operation. Meanwhile, 14 percent …

NCBA Urges Opposition to Spartz Ag Appropriations Amendment

The cattle industry is speaking out against a proposed amendment to the ag appropriations bill.  Introduced by Indiana Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05), the amendment states that none of the funds made available by the bill may be used to carry out commodity checkoff programs. Vice President of Government Affairs with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Ethan Lane, says it …