The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is still seeking public comments on proposed revisions to 49 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. But, the comment period closes April 23, 2020. The 49 updated national conservation practice standards include: 12 agronomic practices for water quality and erosion control Two aquaculture practices Three forestry practices …
DHS and USDA Move to Protect American Farmers
Ensure Continued Flow of America’s Food Supply Department to Temporarily Amend Certain H-2A Requirements During COVID-19 National Emergency (USDA) — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has announced a temporary final rule to change certain H-2A requirements to help U.S. agricultural employers avoid disruptions in lawful agricultural-related employment, protect the …
Which Rock Dust is Best for Your Garden
In yesterday’s program, Cathy Isom told you about not using rock dust in raised gardens. Today’s program Cathy discusses which rock dust is best for your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Rock dust is most helpful in mineral deficient soil, heavily tilled areas, compacted clay, compost-lite loam soil, and a backyard vineyard. They’re often mined minerals …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on “Urgently Needed” USDA Stimulus Funding
(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging swift action in getting the $9.5 billion in direct assistance provided by the CARES Act stimulus bill into the hands of agriculture producers. Fried also shared with USDA several proposals from national and Florida agriculture industry partners highlighting the needs on the ground in response …
Facts of the Flow: Lake Okeechobee, 2020 Year-to-Date
(SFWMD) — Here is the latest update on inflows into Lake Okeechobee for the calendar year to date. This data is provided by SFWMD’s DBHYDRO database. There has been no back-pumping into Lake Okeechobee from the Everglades Agricultural Area this year. Source: South Florida Water Management District Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding …
U.S. Peanut Exports to Canada Still Growing
Exports of U.S. grown peanut products to Canada have continued a trajectory of growth over the last decade. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials …
Farmers Give to Food Banks in Time of COVID-19
(UF/IFAS) — With the COVID-19 shutdowns increasing people’s need for food, some consumers rely on nonprofits for a bite to eat. To help, farmers in Florida and elsewhere are donating excess produce to food banks, said a UF/IFAS expert. In fact, some food banks are helping farmers by offsetting some of their costs, thus incentivizing growers to harvest food they …
Animal Disease Reporting List Comment Period Underway
USDA is currently accepting public comment on the list of reportable animal diseases and new ways to expedite the reporting process. Rod Bain has the story. Dr. Bruce Wagner, with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), explains existing animal health and disease reporting systems, and a proposal to create a new list of reportable animal diseases. Sponsored ContentCIR …
Why Avoid Rock Dust in a Raised Garden Bed
Cathy Isom explains the chemistry behind raised bed gardening and why you should avoid rock dust in a raised garden bed. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Rock dust, in all its various forms, can be useful in some gardens. But it may not be useful in raised beds. With raised beds, at best you have 6 to …
Coronavirus-Related Cattle Industry Losses Estimated at $13.6 Billion
(NCNB) — A study released estimates cattle industry losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will reach $13.6 billion. The study was commissioned by NCBA and conducted by a team of industry-leading agricultural economists led by Derrell Peel, Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness and Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist at Oklahoma State University, to assist USDA in determining how best to …