U.S. red meat exports ended the first quarter on a very high note, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Both beef and pork exports in March posted the highest monthly value on record. Beef exports in March, at 124,808 metric tons (mt), was up 8% from a …
Farmers National: Interest in Farmland Selling to Increase
Land sales activity was flat the past few years, but that may soon change. The lower supply of farms for sale has been one of the factors that supported land values after the 2013 peak in prices paid for ag land. But Farmers National Company reports seeing indications for increased land sale activity through to the end of 2021. Farmers …
Common Tomato Plant Disease to Watch for in the Garden
A common Tomato Plant Disease to watch for in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Tomato plants are known for being vulnerable to a number of tomato diseases. Fungal, viral, and bacterial issues can wipe out entire crops and gardens in a short period if left unchecked, so you need to know how to spot these …
NPPC Highlights Efficiency Gains, Reduced GHG Footprint in USDA Climate Comments
In comments submitted last week to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) highlighted the efficiency gains made by U.S. pork producers that has brought about significant greenhouse gas reductions and made the sector a global model for environmental sustainability. NPPC wrote, “As it considers federal environmental policies, it is critical that USDA recognize the …
Record Florida Budget Awaits Governor’s Approval
When the 2021 Florida Legislative Session wrapped up last Friday, it capped off a session where lawmakers passed a record $101.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year that starts July 1. According to the News Service of Florida, with the Covid-19 pandemic severely damaging the state’s economy last year, lawmakers feared they could face a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. But, …
Dairy Helping to Get Rural America Vaccinated
The pace of U.S. COVID-19 vaccinations has been one of the top stories in the country the past few weeks. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) notes with more and more people taking part in this vaccination process, it’s allowing the economy to build again and in the case of dairy, getting people into restaurants, keeping schools open for nutritious …
Safely Fumigating Grain Bins
While recent rains have slowed planting progress once again across the Southeast, storage of those grain crops being planted is something to think about. According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), grain bin fumigation is a crucial but dangerous aspect of any grain farmer’s operation. They note the process of fumigating for pests begins well before grain enters the …
U.S. Beef Poised for Summer Rebound in Europe
U.S. beef gained greater access to the European Union at the beginning of 2020 through a country-specific quota aimed at allowing more U.S. product to enter the EU at zero duty. But with most U.S. beef cuts traditionally consumed in Europe’s foodservice and hospitality sectors, the U.S. industry struggled to fully capitalize on the revised quota due to widespread restrictions …
Ag Economy Barometer Mostly Unchanged from April
The April Ag Economy Barometer was 178, virtually unchanged from a month earlier. Last month, the index stood at 177, and just five points below its all-time high of 183 set back in October. Compared to March, however, there was a small change in producers’ perspective on the ag economy as they became more optimistic about the future, while their …
Best Pepper Varieties to Grow in the Garden
The best pepper varieties to grow in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are literally thousands of pepper varieties you can grow in your garden in different colors, shapes, and flavors. So it’s best not to just limit yourself to one pepper when planning your garden. Grow a few different kinds from super hot to sweet …