China and the U.S. are shipping goods back and forth at the quickest pace in years. Bloomberg says that’s making it look as if the tariff war and COVID-19 never interrupted the world’s largest bilateral trade relationship. Bilateral trade in goods is an area of stability in a relationship that otherwise continues to struggle. In February of 2020, monthly two-way …
A Few Things to Know When Caring for, and Growing, Lavender
Things you should know when caring for Lavender. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Lavender fills the early-summer garden with sensory delights: beautiful purple-tone blooms atop foliage that emanates its fresh scent on a sunny afternoon. Every part of the plant is infused with aromatic oil, making this a choice herb to place along pathways or near outdoor seating …
Keeping Young Ag Workers Safe
The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (NCCRAHS) announced resources that can be used to help keep young agriculture workers safe. NCCRAHS pointed out that there are serious risks to children doing farm work, as well as positives. During the past decade, more youth have died working in agriculture than in all other industries combined, the …
Feral Swine Workshop to be Held in South Georgia
For those in South Georgia that have an interest in learning how to manage feral swine on your property, Seven Rivers RC&D and the Satilla S&WCD are teaming up with other partners to host a workshop on August 17. The event will run from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Pierce County Extension Meeting Room in Blackshear, Ga. For registration information call 912-367-7679. …
Sunbelt Field Day Rescheduled for August 12
The 2021 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day was supposed to have been held today, but wet weather and saturated field conditions forced the postponement of the annual event in Moultrie, Georgia. But they announced this morning it has been rescheduled for Thursday, August 12. In a release, the Sunbelt Ag Expo staff said, “We appreciate your patience as we navigate …
Vilsack Delivers Statement at Immigrant Farmworkers Hearing
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) …