According to a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, the use of no-till, crop rotations, more efficient irrigation methods and advanced technologies have climbed in recent years. The report, from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), demonstrates progress made through voluntary conservation over a 10-year period. The report titled, “Conservation Practices on Cultivated Cropland: A Comparison of CEAP I and CEAP …
DeSantis Says Water Bill ‘Much Different’
(NSF) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said a controversial environmental bill is “dramatically” improved from when he severely criticized the measure during the middle of the legislative session. The Senate voted 33-0 and the House voted 99-8 on Monday to approve the budget-related bill (SB 2508) as they finished the session. While DeSantis wouldn’t say whether he will sign the bill, …
Cattle Producers Welcome Contract Library Pilot Program
Last week, the U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations package. In addition to providing funding for a number of programs of importance to U.S. beef cattle producers, the bill also maintained key provisions the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has long advocated for. That includes the Electronic Logging Device exemption for livestock haulers, important EPA regulatory relief, and an …
NPPC Focuses on Readiness for Possible Foreign Animal Diseases
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) hired Dr. Anna Forseth for the newly created position of Director of Animal Health. She will focus on foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness, as well as antibiotic use and resistance issues. “She has a wealth of knowledge about hogs and swine diseases and a great background in swine research,” says NPPC CEO Bryan …
Four-Legged Pets Trained to Sniff Out Damaging, Invasive Pests
The four-legged pets trained to sniff out some damaging and invasive pests. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. They may be man’s best friend but they’re also angling to be Agriculture’s best friend. Detector Canines, trained by the USDA’s PPQ program, are learning how to spot and stop spotted Lanternflies and Japanese beetles before it’s too late. These …
Program Helping Protect Pollinators from Invasive Pests
The USDA program helping protect pollinators from invasive pests. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Bee pollination alone is responsible for more than 15-billion in added crop value, particularly for specialty crops such as almonds and other nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. Unfortunately, the honey bees are also vulnerable to invasive pests like parasitic mites, viruses, and predatory …
Smart Phone App Provides Farmers Instant Access to Market Data
The new smart phone app providing farmers instant access to market data. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA has launched USDA Market News, a free mobile app designed to give producers quick and easy access to recently published market information right at their fingers tips no matter where they are. Producers can search for markets based …
Livestock Market Reports for Week Ended 03-11-2022
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia for the week ended March 11, 2022, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At the Alabama Livestock Auctions for the week ending March 11, sold cattle receipts at the 21 markets were an estimated 13,200 head compared to 8,245 …
Trouble-Free Fruit Tree with a Sweet Floral Flavor and Tropical Twist
The trouble-free fruit tree with a tropical twist. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Tree farmers in the warmer regions of the United States may want to consider switching things up and growing a crop a little less common. The Longan tree produces tropical fruits with a sweet, floral flavor with a juicy flesh. Longans are related to …
Using Soil Blocks for Better Seed Starting
How to use soil blocks for better seed starting. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Soil blocking involves creating compressed blocks of soil to start seedlings in. It’s inexpensive, easier for transplanting, promotes healthy root systems, and is eco-friendly. And the best part, no transplanting to larger pots. To get started, you will need a seed-friendly soil mix, …