Dairy producers can now enroll for 2023 coverage through the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety net program helps producers manage changes in milk and feed prices. Last year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) took steps to improve coverage, especially for small and mid-sized dairies, including offering a new Supplemental DMC program and updating …
Florida Draws Challenges Over Pot License
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/ Oct. 18, 2022) — Weeks after state health officials selected a Suwannee County man to receive a long-awaited medical marijuana license earmarked for a Black farmer, applicants who lost out on joining Florida’s growing cannabis industry are challenging the decision. The Florida Department of Health on Sept. 21 announced it had issued an “intent to approve” a medical-marijuana …
Sunbelt Ag Expo Day Two
It’s day two of the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Folks from across the Southeast were on hand yesterday and more are expected today. Tyron Spearman is there and has a look at some of the activities taking place this year. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Hurricane Ian’s Impact on Honey Bees
Bees are vital to agriculture, and a recent major weather event had an impact on colonies. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Hurricane Ian was devastating in many ways, including the loss of human life and destruction, and now we’re learning more about its effect on honey bees. According to a report by the University of Florida, it’s not …
Georgia Cotton Commission: Driver Safety Important Amid Harvest Time
byh Clint Thompson Cotton harvests are well underway across Georgia. Growers and farm workers are transporting harvesters to fields across the state. Driver safety is of the utmost importance. The Georgia Cotton Commission reminds drivers to be safe on the roads as producers, traveling at reduced speeds, transport harvesting equipment from one field to the next. “We just ask that …
Alabama Industrial Hemp License Application Available
Alabama’s hemp growers now have a new option. The state’s hemp growers, processors/handlers and universities may now apply for an industrial hemp license from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Applications will only be accepted online through the Kelly Registration System. The application period began Tuesday, October 11 and the final day to apply for an industrial hemp license is …
NRCS Assistance for Producers Affected by Hurricane Ian
The USDA says its expediting assistance for producers affected by Hurricane Ian. USDA can provide payments, through conservation program contracts, for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) conservation practices to help agricultural landowners and producers address disaster-related resource concerns on their land. To expedite Hurricane Ian disaster recovery, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is issuing early start waivers in EQIP …
USDA Providing Relief to Qualified Borrowers Struggling to Make Payments
During a call with ag media, Tuesday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack detailed plans to help farmers with USDA loans who are struggling to make their payments. “Through no fault of their own, our nation’s farmers and ranchers have faced incredibly tough circumstances over the last few years,” Secretary Vilsack said. “The funding included in today’s announcement helps keep our …
Robert E. Saunders Named 2022 Swisher/Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year
(Moultrie, GA/Oct. 18, 2022) — Robert E. Saunders, a multi-generational farmer from Piney River, Virginia, who grows woody ornamentals, annuals, perennials, field ornamentals, grafted trees, peaches, nectarines, apples, and Asian pears, has been selected as the overall winner of the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award for 2022. Growing up on a family farm as one of seven …
Florida Commissioner Nikki Fried on UF/IFAS Preliminary Agricultural Damage Assessment
(FDACS/GAINESVILLE, FL/Oct. 18, 2022) — The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) released a preliminary assessment of the agricultural production losses associated with Hurricane Ian. The report, which considered crops, livestock, and animal products, estimates a potential loss of up to $1.56 billion for Florida producers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (FDACS) is expected to release its …