Members Sought for Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture

(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture, part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices as well …

NCBA Rolls Out New Virtual Event for 2021

Cattle Industry Members Invited to 2021 Cattle Industry Convention Winter Reboot Virtual Event Feb. 23-24 (NCBA) – Brand new for 2021, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is hosting a two-day virtual event for cattlemen and women across the country to come together for industry news, updates, education and networking. The 2021 Cattle Industry Convention Winter Reboot, scheduled for Feb. …

New Dietary Guidelines Favorable to Peanuts

The theme of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines was “Make Every Bite Count”. And according to a story from Tyron Spearman, the new  recommendations show peanuts in a favorable position for healthy dietary patterns at every stage of life. Introducing the ?Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health …

Georgia Ag Commissioner Concerned with Seed Coat Fragments in Cotton

It was announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is collaborating with the Georgia Department of Agriculture in raising awareness and further examine the significant increase in seed coat fragments in cotton produced in the state. In a phone interview with Southeast Agnet’s Randall Weiseman, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black said in …

COVID-19 Taking Heavy Toll on Farmers’ Mental Health

(AFBF) — A strong majority of farmers/farmworkers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health, and more than half say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago, according to a new American Farm Bureau poll. The survey of rural adults and farmers/farmworkers explores how the pandemic has affected their mental health personally and …

Dormant Sprays for Asian Citrus Psyllid Management

Several studies have documented the positive effects of controlling the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP, Figure 1) for citrus tree health and sustainability in Florida. The mature blocks established before and after the discovery of huanglongbing (HLB) in 2005 continue to benefit from psyllid control. One psyllid is enough to infect a tree with HLB for life, and repeated infestations negatively …

Judge Says Trial Needed in Conservation Dispute

(NSF) — A Leon County circuit judge has said a trial is needed in part of a long-running lawsuit about how the Legislature carried out a 2014 constitutional amendment aimed at land and water conservation. Environmental groups in October asked Circuit Judge Charles Dodson to grant summary judgment finding that some state budget items from 2015 and 2016 violated the …

SFWMD Accepting Applications for Cost-Share Water Projects

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) announced it is accepting applications for cost-share projects to develop alternative water supply projects and water conservation projects. This is part of the state of Florida’s continuing efforts to identify and implement cost-effective strategies to protect its water resources while meeting Florida’s water needs. Partnering with local governments and other entities for implementation …

Executive Farm Management Program

(APPA) — Times are challenging on the farm these days. Farmers run and finance large and diverse businesses, manage capital, handle labor issues and navigate regulations. An operator is constantly busy working in their business. The Executive Farm Management Program (EFMP) is designed to help farmers work on their business. This year the National Peanut Board is proud to partner …