(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of three family farms in the Florida Wildlife Corridor through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The K-Rocker Ranch, a 707-acre ranch in Polk County, the Los Niños Farm, a 998-acre timber and cattle operation in Putnam County, and the Kuder …
CoBank: Lack of Heifers May Limit Milk Production Growth
According to a new report (.pdf) from CoBank, a sharp decline in the number of dairy heifers available to replace older cows exiting the U.S. dairy herd could limit meaningful growth in milk production. The number of dairy replacement heifers has fallen almost 15 percent in the last six years to reach a 20-year low. While the global demand outlook …
Record Income Drop Expected, What Can Farmers Do?
Farmers can expect the largest recorded year-to-year dollar drop in net farm income in 2024. How bad is it, and what can farmers do? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Income is estimated to be nearly $40 billion lower this year compared to 2023, down more than 25%. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the latest USDA data …
NCFC President Responds to Decision to Revoke Approval of Dicamba Products
By C.J. Miller Earlier this week, a federal judge with the U.S. District Court of Arizona has revoked the approval that allows the use of dicamba herbicide products on soybeans. The judge’s decision immediately halts the use of over-the-top applications of Xtendimax® from Bayer, Engenia® from BASF, and Tavium® from Syngenta. “I suspect we are going to be encouraging all …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 02-09-2024
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama and Florida for the week ended February 9, 2024, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended February 9, 2024, receipts at 17 markets totaled an estimated 13,856 head compared to 11,000 last week and 13,717 …
TFI: Tightening of Air Standards will Hamper Fertilizer Production
This week, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) expressed alarm with the Environmental Protection Agency’s lowering of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter. According to TFI, the change will lead to permitting gridlock across much of the country, negatively impacting economic growth and fertilizer production. TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch says, “At a time when the need …
Americans Serving Wings for the Big Game
Wings are on the menu for the big game this weekend. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. With the second biggest eating day of the year after Thanksgiving upon us, there’s no hotter time for chicken wings. According to the National Chicken Council’s 2024 Wing Report, Americans will devour 1.45 billion wings while watching Kansas City and San …
CSP Sign-up is Underway in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced sign-up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is underway. Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on previous conservation efforts and building climate resiliency should consider one of two funding opportunities available to them this year and apply by March 8. “The Conservation Stewardship Program continues to help our customers invest in more …
Sign Up Continues for NRCS Programs in Florida
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) continues to accept applications for two of their flagship programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS Chief Terry Cosby talks about climate smart conservation practices and the partnership between landowners and NRCS technical staff to put these practices into action. Learn more about these and other programs that could benefit your …
Apply Now for RCPP in Alabama
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) wants to remind landowners in eligible watersheds it is accepting applications for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The eligible watersheds are located within Blount, Etowah, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Marshall, and St. Clair counties. The Nature Conservancy in Alabama plans to reduce sedimentation, pollution, nutrient runoff, and other stresses within several waterbodies in …