There is a saying among those who have been in the industry for a long time: “There is no citrus harvest like the other.” Growers are facing production challenges in the current harvest season in Brazil. Hot, Dry Conditions The first signs of a decrease in the season’s fruit crop were given by last year’s (August to September 2019) bloom. …
Commissioner Fried Grants Santa Claus & Reindeer Animal Movement Permit
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) are issuing a Certificate of Animal Movement to Mr. and Mrs. Claus of the North Pole. The certificate will allow their reindeer – Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph – to enter and exit all homes, domiciles, encampments, and premises in the state of …
Dr. Carrie Castille Named as New NIFA Director
(USDA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that President Trump has named Dr. Carrie Castille as the new, six year term director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Dr. Castille will start her new role on Monday, January 4, 2021. “Dr. Castille is a trusted leader in economic development and public policy and has more than 20 …
Florida May Buy More Alico Land
The state of Florida has entered into an option agreement to purchase approximately 5,804 acres of land from Alico, Inc.’s Alico Ranch for approximately $14.6 million under the Florida Forever program. “The 5,804-acre parcel is considered a primary and secondary zone for the federally endangered Florida panther and can contribute to increased protection of Florida’s biodiversity at the species, natural …
Secretary Perdue Announces Groundbreaking Proposal
Transfer Agricultural Animal Biotechnology Regulatory Framework to USDA (USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a significant step in modernizing regulations of agricultural animals modified or produced by genetic engineering. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be moving forward with an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) to solicit public input and feedback on a contemplated regulatory framework that …
SNAP Benefits Increase Through COVID Bill
While Congress did pass the $900 billion pandemic relief bill that includes a variety of benefits and direct cash payments, President Trump urged congressional leaders on Tuesday to make several changes to the bill including increasing direct payments for Americans. But a story from Tyron Spearman notes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a program through the 2018 Farm Bill, will …
Deltapine Cotton Class of 2021
When it comes to Deltapine cotton, for over a decade, the New Product Evaluator (NPE) Program has played a significant role in bringing innovative varieties to market. And when it comes to the Class of 2021, Keylon Gholston, cotton product manager for Deltapine, specifically looks at two of the five varieties released for next year. Each of these varieties have …
Winding Down ’20 Livestock Production, Price Estimates
USDA recently updated its livestock production and price estimates for the current calendar year. Rod Bain has the details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the …
Some Late Harvest Activities Still Going on in Southeast
Late harvest activities are still going on in some areas of the country. Stephanie Ho has this update. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida …
Winter-Friendly Plants for Your Outdoor Space
Some winter-friendly plants for your outdoor space. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. From shrubs to spruces, there are several evergreens perfectly fit for adding a touch of liveliness to your outdoor space this winter. Japanese Yews is an excellent fit for porches all year round since it’s drought tolerant and thrives in both full and partial sun …