Week three of the 2020 session for the Georgia General Assembly was a busy one with various issues of interest to agriculture discussed. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President, Will Bentley, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman that budget issues continues to be something they are concerned about. To keep track of activities during the 2020 Legislative Session and to learn more …
Eco-friendly Food Packaging Alternatives
There will be a company serving up eco-friendly food packaging alternatives at Super Bowl LIV this Sunday in Miami. Cathy Isom has more details about these compostable and marine-degradable products. Arizona-based “Footprint” recently sent nearly one hundred thousand compostable and marine-degradable products to be used at Super Bowl concessions at events in Miami. Fiber-based bowls, cups, plates, hot dog boats, …
NASDA Submits Hemp Program Comments to USDA
This week, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture submitted final comments on federal hemp production guidelines. The comments submitted to the Department of Agriculture highlight potential changes to the Domestic Hemp Production Program interim final rule. NASDA CEO Barb Glenn says, “We know at least 30 states will have to revise their own laws in order to comply …
Five Factors Key to Improving Corn Production
By Clint Thompson If farmers want to achieve high corn yields this growing season, they’ll need to consider five factors, according to Ron Heiniger, professor and Extension specialist in corn at North Carolina State University. He highlighted the importance of light, water, nutrients, genetics and temperature during a presentation at the University of Georgia (UGA) Corn Short Course meeting held …
Rubio, Scott, Waltz Introduce Bill To Enable More Funding for Florida’s Clean Water Infrastructure
Washington D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and U.S. Representative Michael Waltz (R-FL) introduced S. 3211, the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act. The legislation would nearly triple Florida’s current Clean Water State Revolving Fund allotment each year and enable the state to finance billions of dollars in new clean water infrastructure over the next decade without …
Planters Super Bowl Ad Shows Demise of Mr. Peanut
Planters basically shook the snack world last week by announcing that their iconic Mr. Peanut mascot is dead at the age of 104. According to a story from Tyron Spearman, Mr. Peanut sacrificed himself to save his friends. The brand released an ad showing Mr. Peanut’s demise, and according to Planters, the commercial will air during the Super Bowl this …
Will Coronavirus Affect China Purchases of U.S. Ag Products?
The coronavirus outbreak is major news right now, not only in China, but also here in the U.S. and other countries around the world. But those in agriculture in our country are still celebrating the recent signing of the phase one trade deal with China. And in a story from Gary Crawford, many analysts are wondering if the coronavirus outbreak …
NRCS Chief on Proposed Changes to EQIP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continues to seek public comments on its interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS Chief Matt Lohr told Southeast AgNet that he encourages producers to make comments on the program. NRCS will make $1.2 billion available for interested producers in fiscal 2020 and state offices will …
Gaps Emerge on Florida Forever
The Florida Forever land-conservation program is just one issue shaping up as an early front in the negotiating battles that will take place in the coming weeks as the House and Senate hammer out a final budget for next year. According to the News Service of Florida, the Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee released their initial budget …
USDA Offers Super Bowl Party Safety Tips
With the Super Bowl coming up Sunday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers safety tips for your party. Cathy Isom has the story. When it comes to offering all of your party favorites for guests coming to your Super Bowl party this year, the USDA recommends that you wash your hands, not your chicken. And, close the buffet after …