Prepare Information for New Calculator

To assist farmers in planning, the National Center for Peanut Competitiveness (NCPC) has launched the “2018 Seed Cotton Generic Base and Payment Yield Updating Calculator”. Tyron Spearman reports the calculator was developed by the NCPC after reviewing the text of the seed cotton provision in the recently passed budget agreement and disaster aid package. Prepare Information for New Calculator The …

Farm Thefts Could Draw Heftier Penalties

Getting caught stealing a registered beehive would have a deeper sting under a measure advancing in the Senate. The Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday unanimously approved a proposal (SB 776) that would boost the criminal fine for theft of a commercially farmed animal or a bee colony from $5,000 to $10,000. Committee Chairwoman Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, said increased fines are …

Seeking Ag Exemption to Emissions Reporting

Livestock producers are pleased to know a bill has been introduced that would exempt them from reporting manure emissions. The legislation known the FARM Act, the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method Act, is cosponsored by 20-senators. Livestock groups and the American Farm Bureau asked lawmakers for help last week, and the bipartisan response was quick. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President …

Cotton Incorporated on Verge of New Tools

For cotton growers, new tools are being developed to help in their efforts to grow even better crops in the future. Kater Hake, Vice President of Agriculture Research for Cotton Incorporated, wants producers to know they continue to be involved in a variety of research efforts. Cotton Incorporated on Verge of New Tools Learn more on the Cotton Cultivated website. …

Seed Cotton Program Good for Georgia Agriculture

In the wee hours of February 9, 2018, both houses of congress passed the Bi-Partisan Budget Agreement of 2018, which the President signed later that morning.  Within this legislation, a safety net program for seed cotton, the unginned cotton that producers harvest, was established.  This makes cotton a covered commodity under Title 1 of the Farm Bill, of which cotton …

FFA Members Celebrate National FFA Week

Agriculture is part of our daily lives—from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. Next week, more than 653,000 FFA members will celebrate the role agriculture plays in our lives while sharing the message of agricultural education as part of National FFA Week.  National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to host activities that raise awareness …

Mulch Plants for Your Garden

Cathy Isom has suggestions about some mulch plants beneficial for your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Mulch Plants for Your Garden It’s important to have mulch plants in the garden. They protect from erosion, keep soil moist by shading it from the sun, they also add biodiversity, which helps with pollinators and can deter or distract pests. …

Secretary Perdue Confirmed as 2018 Commodity Classic Keynote Speaker

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue will speak at the upcoming Commodity Classic in Anaheim, California. Held February 27th to March first, Perdue will be the keynote speaker for Wednesday morning’s general session of this year’s event. Secretary Perdue is expected to share his vision for the U.S. Department of Agriculture including his thoughts on a new farm bill, international trade, rural …

U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Wants Beef Defined

The United States Cattlemen’s Association wants the Department of Agriculture to clarify the definition of beef. USCA late last week submitted a petition to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service asking the agency for rulemaking on beef labeling to clarify for consumers what is beef derived from cattle and “beef” products created in a laboratory. USCA Presidet Kenny Graner says: …