(UF/IFAS) — The UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Program launched a virtual workshop with research and program updates, available online beginning January 11 for $40. The workshop consists of a collection of pre-recorded lectures and prepared documents available for on-demand viewing. In addition to the virtual delivery, there are opportunities to engage with experts from UF/IFAS. As the two-year pilot project …
Regulations for Future Oversight of Animal Ag Biotechnology
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will soon have oversight of parts of federal regulations regarding food and fiber animals modified or produced by genetic engineering. Rod Bain has the story. Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Greg Ibach, discusses the history of federal animal biotechnology regulatory oversight, leading up to a recent announcement of USDA taking over …
FSA Administrator on New Quality Loss Assistance Program
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced that signup for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) program is underway. This new program provides assistance to producers who suffered eligible crop quality losses due to natural disasters occurring in 2018 and 2019. FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman that QLA is an extensive of WHIP-Plus. The deadline to apply for …
EPA Nominee Meets with Farm Groups
(NAFB) — President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency met with farm group leaders Tuesday. Michael Regan, the EPA Administrator-designate, hosted a virtual round table with more than 16 members of the Ag CEO Council and staff. The Biden transition team says Regan reiterated President-elect Joe Biden’s commitment to working with agricultural leaders to promote healthy and …
Getting Rid of Stubborn Tree Stumps from Your Property
Some ways to get rid of stubborn tree stumps from your property. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you have to get rid of a large stump or have multiple stumps to remove, you may need to consider renting a stump grinder. Just know that they can be costly, and weigh around 1000 pounds. Alternatively, you may …
Members Sought for Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture, part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices as well …
NCBA Rolls Out New Virtual Event for 2021
Cattle Industry Members Invited to 2021 Cattle Industry Convention Winter Reboot Virtual Event Feb. 23-24 (NCBA) – Brand new for 2021, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is hosting a two-day virtual event for cattlemen and women across the country to come together for industry news, updates, education and networking. The 2021 Cattle Industry Convention Winter Reboot, scheduled for Feb. …
New Dietary Guidelines Favorable to Peanuts
The theme of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines was “Make Every Bite Count”. And according to a story from Tyron Spearman, the new recommendations show peanuts in a favorable position for healthy dietary patterns at every stage of life. Introducing the ?Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Concerned with Seed Coat Fragments in Cotton
It was announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is collaborating with the Georgia Department of Agriculture in raising awareness and further examine the significant increase in seed coat fragments in cotton produced in the state. In a phone interview with Southeast Agnet’s Randall Weiseman, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black said in …
COVID-19 Taking Heavy Toll on Farmers’ Mental Health
(AFBF) — A strong majority of farmers/farmworkers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health, and more than half say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago, according to a new American Farm Bureau poll. The survey of rural adults and farmers/farmworkers explores how the pandemic has affected their mental health personally and …