On Wednesday, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack testified during the “Immigrant Farmworkers are Essential to Feeding America” Judiciary Committee hearing. This was the first-ever appearance by an Agriculture Secretary before the full Senate Judiciary Committee. During his opening statement, Vilsack discussed the important role immigrant farmworkers have in the food and agriculture industry and the overall economy. Vilsack said we …
Taiwan’s Demand for U.S. Beef Remains Strong
With a remarkably low number of COVID-19 cases in 2020, Taiwan remains a leading destination for U.S. beef exports. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Senior Vice President for the Asia Pacific, Joel Haggard, this is despite a slow start to 2021. According to USMEF, Taiwan has taken a record volume of nearly 64,000 metric tons (mt) valued at more than …
NMPF Urging Senate to Craft a Bill for Essential Immigrant Farmworkers
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing Wednesday that highlighted the importance of immigrant farmworkers to our nation’s food supply and rural communities. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) thanked the Committee for holding the hearing. In a release NMPF said, “Immigrant employees are vital to the dairy industry, with an estimated 79% of the U.S. milk supply produced …
Pork Producers Urge Congress to Address Comprehensive Labor Reform
According to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the U.S. pork industry is suffering from a labor shortage that could increase production costs and consumer food prices if not addressed through visa reform to provide better access to the foreign-born workers on which it depends. And NPPC President Jen Sorenson testified Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee about this shortage. …
Disease Management: Cotton Growers Encouraged to Scout
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission reminds producers that with the excessive rainfall this summer comes increased risk for diseases. Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist, encourages growers to scout their fields for diseases like target spot. “The most important message I can send to growers right now is to recognize, in addition to the benefit (rain) …
USDA Announces Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers
Starting today (July 22), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications to provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have experienced losses due to COVID-19 pandemic. It’s all a part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack gives some of the eligibility criteria for the new program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act …
Important Things to Know About Caring for Bee Balm
Some things you should know about when caring for Bee Balm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. One of the most important things to know about bee balms is that they are vigorous plants. In small garden settings, some varieties of bee balm can out-compete less aggressive neighbors, so be careful where you plant them. Bee balm spreads by …
Florida Farm Bureau President Announces Retirement
(Gainesville, FL/July 21, 2021) — Today I announce my retirement as the president of Florida Farm Bureau Federation effective at the end of my term, which concludes at the Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting in October. I have received a perfect ????, symbolizing the cherished memories and achievements of my time in this role. I am so appreciative of everyone who has …
Apply for Funding from USDA/NRCS to Remove Cogongrass
(GAINESVILLE, Fla., July 21, 2021) — Florida forest landowners in parts of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties can apply for financial assistance to manage invasive Cogongrass until Sept. 1 from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $60,000 in fiscal year 2022 to remove the highly invasive Cogongrass in Florida. One of the world’s top-10 worst weeds, …
Citrus Juice Proven to Aid Immune System
A new research review, published in Frontiers in Immunology, has found that a glass of citrus juice contains key nutrients and bioactive substances that help human immune systems work efficiently. Scientists examined evidence from nearly 200 different studies and reports. They concluded that vitamin C, folate and polyphenol compounds in citrus juice can impact immune health, fight inflammation and improve …