In order to stem the tide of dairy operation bankruptcies, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has some ideas to help keep more dairy operators on their farms. Gary Crawford has the story. Vilsack told a recent House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing that efforts to combat climate change could be a major opportunity for dairy producers. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides …
Fertilizer Costs Shape Crop Production Expenses
The Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reports production costs for corn and other major commodities are shaped by fertilizer cost. From 2010 to 2019, fertilizer was a major expense in U.S. corn production, accounting for 33 to 44 percent of operating costs-a category that includes other variable expenses like seed, chemicals, fuel, and repairs. Fertilizer also comprised 16 to …
Produce Union Unhappy with USDA’s Cancellation of Food Box Program
A trade group in the fruit and vegetable industry is unhappy with the USDA’s decision to cancel the Farmers to Families Food Box Distribution Program. United Fresh says millions of Americans gained access to healthy, fresh produce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the decision by Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack “shortsighted.” The group says comments disparaging the program were a slap …
GCC Approves Research Funding
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) recently approved $745,094 in research for the 2022 crop year and an additional $42,050 for the 2021 crop year. “We had our board meeting on March 31 where we went through our research proposals. It’s about shy of a $50,000 increase for 2021 to 2022. We also put in some additional money for 2021,” says …
UGA Extension Peanut Agronomist: Don’t Be in a Rush to Put Peanuts in the Ground
Peanut planting will begin soon in Georgia. University of Georgia (UGA) Extension peanut agronomist Scott Monfort hopes not too soon, however, considering the cool nights still being experienced throughout the state. “The biggest thing is conditions. I know everybody’s chomping at the bit right now to start planting, and we’ve got at least one more week where we’re dropping down …
Two Weeks Left in Florida Legislative Session
There are only two weeks remaining in the 2021 Florida Legislative Session, and according to the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Sam Ard, things are moving along pretty well for the ag community. Day 60 and the scheduled end to the Florida Legislative Session is April 30. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance …
Best Starter Veggies for the Beginner Home Gardener
The best starter veggies for the beginner home gardener. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’ve never gardened before, but want to give it a try this year, a great place to start is by choosing the appropriate veggies and fruits to grow that match your abilities. This means taking stock of your outdoor, or indoor, space, the …
Livestock Market Report Week Ending 4-19-2021
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended April 16, 2021, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the week ending on April 16, 2021, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 13,300 head compared to 11,071 last week …
Georgia Grown Cotton Medical Scrubs
By Ashley Robinson Georgia grown cotton is being used to create 100% cotton medical scrubs crafted entirely in the United States. The initiative, spearheaded by Field to Closet Cotton Therapeutics, is making the concept of American grown, 100% cotton scrubs, a reality. The long-term vision for this initiative is to support the U.S. cotton farmer, increase domestic demand for cotton …
Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett: Sparked the Creation of a Conservation Agency
Today’s farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners are better prepared to maintain healthy and resilient soil due to the tireless efforts of Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett, the Soil Conservation Service’s (SCS) first Chief and the Father of Soil Conservation, born 140 years ago on April 15, 1881. A maverick and visionary, Bennett knew that productive soils would help farmers, ranchers …