(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis gave his State of the State address Tuesday to formally start the 2021 legislative session. Here are his remarks, as prepared for delivery: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the House and Senate, and fellow citizens: I see, in many parts of our country, a sad state of affairs: schools closed, businesses shuttered and lives …
Florida Citrus Industry Continues Decline
Florida citrus production has decreased for almost two decades. According to Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research at the Florida Department of Citrus, the two main factors for the state’s steady decline are citrus greening (huanglongbing, known as HLB) and Hurricane Irma. Zansler presented staggering statistics during the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference on Feb. 26 that showed …
Prepare for Citrus Canker Season
Now that bloom has arrived, it is time to start thinking about canker management. As the fruitlets develop, they will become susceptible around the end of March to the beginning of April. The spring fruit lesions are particularly concerning because they cause fruit drop. Without proper management, early-season canker can cause 90 to 100% crop loss with favorable spring weather …
Program Pays Ranchers in Southwest Florida to Help Panthers
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants ranchers in the Southwest part of the state to know they may be able to get paid for helping the Florida panther. NRCS, through the Conservation Stewardship Program, will provide technical and financial assistance for conservation practices that improve its habitat. The signup deadline, through this Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project, is March 26. The Florida panther lives …
Reasons You Need to Grow Aloe Vera in the Garden
Why you need Aloe Vera in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Aloe vera is amongst the easiest medicinal plants to use and grow, which is why it should be featured in everyone’s gardens. Aside from being great for burns, Aloe Vera has many other uses, it’s easy to take care of, and is cheap to …
Efforts to Test Peanut Seed Continue
Efforts to test peanut seed continue at the Georgia Department of Agriculture Tifton Laboratory. According to a story from Tyron Spearman, the staff at the lab have worked tirelessly to process the seeds that have been submitted in 2021. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher …
Enrollment for 2021 ARC and PLC Programs Closes March 15
Agricultural producers are being reminded to make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2021 crop year, as the signup period closes March 15, 2021. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety-net programs help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops. ARC provides income support payments on …
Biological Control of the Asian Citrus Psyllid
Managing the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is critical because of its role in spreading huanglongbing (HLB). Biological control is one method for ACP control. It is essential for developing integrated and sustainable pest management strategies. Biological control has always been a vital component of citrus pest management in Florida; understanding its contribution to the mortality of ACP is crucial. Despite …
NRCS Florida State Technical Committee Meeting is Wednesday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners that they will conduct a State Technical Committee meeting Wednesday, March 3. This virtual conference will be chaired by Florida State Conservationist Juan Hernandez. He looks at some of the topics for this year’s meeting. The State Technical Committee is composed of individuals and groups from a variety …
Recertify for BQA Online
We told you a couple of weeks ago that the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) had announced new updates and initiatives to their Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program for 2021. This also includes updates to their educational training modules. Over the past few years, many cattle producers have taken advantage of BQA training sessions, some on-line, some through in-person training. …