Georgia Peanut Commission approved by 94%

TIFTON, Ga. (April 23, 2021) – The Georgia Peanut Commission’s referendum received reaffirmation with a vote of 94.43 percent. It is the highest the commission has received in its nearly 60-year existence. “I am thankful our board and staff have been able to work in the areas of research, promotion and education of peanuts, as well as support efforts in …

Florida Right to Farm Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

Just hours after the Florida House gave final approval Thursday, a bill that would expand legal protections for farmers was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to the News Service of Florida, the House voted 110-7 to support expanding the state’s “Right to Farm” law, a top priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. The Senate passed the bill (SB …

Concerns with Repealing the Stepped-Up Basis Tax Provision

The Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FBETC) released an EY study this week, quantifying the impact a repeal of stepped-up basis would have on family businesses. The EY study found that family-owned businesses and the local economies they support would be hit hardest by a repeal. Based on the analysis of the study, this tax increase, whether via tax at …

Battle Continues Against Palmer Amaranth

What is the most challenging pest facing Georgia farmers? According to a University of Georgia (UGA) Extension survey, it’s not an insect or disease. It’s a weed, and that weed is named Palmer amaranth. UGA Extension weed scientist Stanley Culpepper issued the survey to gauge the severity of Palmer amaranth compared to other annual pests. The results were staggering. Of …

NMPF Supports Labeling Integrity Through DAIRY PRIDE Act

This week, the DAIRY PRIDE Act, a bill that would bring clear, accurate labeling information for consumers and end harmful mislabeling of dairy foods by peddlers of plant-based products, was re-introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate. The legislation requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce its own existing standards of identity on imitated dairy products …

Overgrown Mint

What to do when your mint plants have taken over the garden. Cathy Isom explains on today’s This Land of Ours. While there are a number of uses for mint plants, invasive varieties, can quickly take over the garden. Other than placing barriers deep in the ground to prevent their runners from spreading, growing mint in containers is probably the best …

USDA Offering New Incentives for CRP Enrollment

The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with higher payment rates, new incentives and a more targeted focus on the program’s role in climate change mitigation. This includes investments in partnerships to increase climate-smart agriculture, including $330 million in 85 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects and $25 million for …

Registration Open for 2021 Southern Peanut Growers Conference

The 22nd Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 15-17, 2021 at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. The three-day event will provide farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the conference sessions, the event will focus on the family by offering a ladies program and a golf tournament. …

USDA to Provide Debt Relief for Socially Disadvantaged Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants producers to know the American Rescue Plan includes provisions for USDA to pay up to 120% of loan balances, as of January 1, 2021, for Farm Service Agency (FSA) Direct and Guaranteed Farm Loans and Farm Storage Facility Loans debt relief to any socially disadvantaged producer who has a qualifying loan with FSA. …