Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried appeared before Members of Congress from Florida to discuss key issues facing the agriculture industry. At the invitation of delegation co-chairs U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Fried spoke on a panel alongside industry group leaders from the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, and the Florida Forestry Association. Commissioner Fried raised …
USDA Enhances African Swine Fever Surveillance Efforts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is furthering its overall African Swine Fever (ASF) preparedness efforts with the implementation of a surveillance plan. As part of this plan, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will work with the swine industry, the states, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories to test for ASF. ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease …
Still Waiting on Senate for Disaster Relief
While word is the U.S. Senate will vote next week on a disaster aid package, Tyron Spearman reports those affected by Hurricane Michael and other natural disasters across the country continue to wait on disaster assistance. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World …
NRCS Announces Changes to Strengthen Technical Input
Last week, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced they are expanding the technical input in program development and technical services in their program delivery. The 2018 Farm Bill made several changes expanding the membership on the State Technical Committee and expanding the avenues through which technical service providers can be certified. Other changes include the administration of the, Watershed Protection and …
Women in Ag Numbers on the Rise
Lauryn Bryght of Macon County is part of an expanding group of farmers—women farmers. From 2012 to 2017, the number of women involved in U.S. agriculture grew by nearly 27 percent. Out of 3.4 million farmers nationally, more than 1.2 million are women. The most recent Census of Agriculture shows a dramatic increase in the number of women in agriculture—a …
Georgia Cotton Farmer Discusses Farm Economy
The U.S. Senate is working on passing a disaster aid bill to provide assistance for farmers hurt by storm damage, including those affected by Hurricane Michael last October. The U.S. House did pass a disaster bill last week, and now congressional leaders and the White House are working on a bipartisan bill that can get through the Senate. Last week Colquitt …
Senate to Vote on Disaster Relief Next Week
Disaster aid is before the U.S. Senate as lawmakers are working to break the political logjam over urgently-needed assistance for farmers hurt by storm damage. This includes those here in the Southeast affected by Hurricane Michael last October. While the House did pass a disaster bill last week, congressional leaders and the White House have been discussing a bipartisan bill that …
Promising Outlook for Meat and Dairy Producers
USDA’s first forecasts for the 2020 marketing year reveals increases in both production and price for meat and dairy producers. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials …
Farm Leader Salutes Gov. DeSantis for Hurricane Recovery Loan Program
Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick has expressed his appreciation for the decision by Gov. Ron DeSantis to authorize a major state loan program for farm families struggling with recovery from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Michael. “We thank Governor DeSantis for his bold leadership in initiating this program,” Hoblick said. “Six months after the storm crushed the region, …
How Sunflowers Provide a Helping Hand
Cathy Isom fills you in about how sunflowers provide a helping hand in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Many people grow sunflowers for the simple fact that they are stunning, massive flowers that brighten up the scene. However, sunflowers are beneficial in the garden for many reasons. They are easy growing and can thrive in …