Crop and Livestock Prices Plunge Under Weight of COVID-19 Uncertainty

(AFBF) — Updated analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows crop and livestock prices falling to levels that threaten the livelihoods of many U.S. farmers and ranchers. Shuttered schools, universities, restaurants, bars and cafeterias are no longer buying milk, meat, fruits, vegetables and other food, causing a downward spiral in crop and livestock prices. Nearby futures prices for nearly …

Florida Watermelon Farmers Face Uncertainty Due to COVID-19

(UF/IFAS) — As fruit and vegetable farmers in South Florida decide what to do with produce once destined for now-closed schools and restaurants, watermelon farmers in North Florida have recently finished planting their crop. Given the uncertainty around the market for fresh produce, the decision to plant came down to economics, said Mark Warren, agriculture agent for UF/IFAS Extension Levy …

Drivers Should Watch For Farmers During Planting Season

(ALFA) — Alabamians are encouraged to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, farmers are still performing essential work planting crops to feed, fuel and clothe consumers. That means drivers performing essential travel, such as to the grocery store, are sharing the road with more farm machinery. “Springtime means farmers are moving equipment to and from the field as they …

FDACS Agricultural and Seafood Availability Notice

(HCCGA) — FDACS has created the attached form for producers to fill out with their product availability. Once submitted, FDACS will utilize to forward to their Fresh From Florida contacts, as well as the Florida Department of Corrections, food banks and make connections with other State Departments of Agriculture in hopes of providing market opportunities to move product during the Coronavirus …

Senators Seek Flexibility in FSA Loans

(NAFB) — Lawmakers are urging Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to make temporary flexibilities on Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans permanent for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a bipartisan letter signed by farm-state Senators, they urge Perdue to “take action to ensure the continuity of our country’s food supply and support rural areas during the coronavirus.” The senators seek …

NMPF Coronavirus Page Adds Resources for Dairy Employers, Veterinarians

(NMPF) — The National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) coronavirus webpage has added new information for farm employers and employees, as well as guidance for veterinarians, to help the dairy community keep up with evolving government and marketplace responses to coronavirus. Key new documents include: An NMPF/FARM Program-created guidance for farmers if an employee tests positive for COVID-19; NMPF’s two-page “What Farm Employers Need to …

FDA Issues Temporary Policy Relaxing Egg Labeling Requirements

(NAFB) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is relaxing egg labeling and packaging requirements to meet consumer demands. Generally, egg cartons must include a statement of identity, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor, nutrition labeling, the net quality of contents and safe handling instructions. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer …

Georgia Cattlemen’s Convention, Beef Expo is May 28-30

As we told you three weeks ago, the annual Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (GCA) Convention and Beef Expo, which was originally scheduled to be held this past weekend, had be postponed due to COVID-19. The rescheduled date is May 28-30. Here is GCC Executive Vice President, Dale Sandlin. For more information go to the GCA website. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement …

Almost Impossible to Kill Houseplants

Cathy Isom fills you in about just a few houseplants that are almost impossible to kill. That’s coming up on This Land of ours.  Even if you don’t have the best track record for keeping plants alive there are a number of houseplants that are almost impossible to kill. The Crassula Ovata, commonly referred to as the Jade plant or …