While those in the Florida cattle industry are very familiar with the Florida Cracker Cattle breed, others outside of the industry and in others states may not be. But a story from Renee Bodine, with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida, looks at why a modern-day Cracker cowboy entered property into a conservation easement in 2008 with NRCS. Play …
FDACS Still Concerned with Water
Water issues are still top of mind for many in Florida and Matt Joyner, director of federal affairs for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, says it is still a top issue for his boss, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. Play Audio Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida …
House Ag Chairman on Importance of Preparing for Next Farm Bill
Many agriculture and commodity groups have already started conversations regarding issues facing agriculture that the groups deem important for the next farm bill, which is expected in 2018. But it’s not only farm groups talking about the farm bill, as some lawmakers are doing the same. Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, talked recently …
USDA Designates 2 More Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Calhoun and Cleburne counties in Alabama as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in Cherokee, Clay, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair and Talladega counties in Alabama also qualify for natural disaster …
USDA Designates 4 More Counties in Georgia as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Clarke, Oconee, Polk and Towns counties in Georgia as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Georgia also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. …
Land Grant Universities Compiling Animal Feed Database
21 land-grant institutions are collaborating to provide researchers, producers and industry partners’ up-to-date, research-based information on the nutrient needs of agricultural animals. Since forming in 2010, the National Animal Nutrition Program has created a database of animal feed ingredients. Organizers say the database is a vital tool to inform cost-effective production decisions, animal welfare policies and procedures, and to guarantee …
Some NASS Surveys Rotate Years
There are various surveys that USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service conducts each and every year. But according to Jay Johnson, director of the Eastern Field Offices for NASS, there are also some that only happen every other year, or possibly even every three years. Play Audio Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune …
Congress Told TPP is Coming
There has been a lot of talk about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement the past few days, as last week the White House let Congress know it will be bringing TPP to lawmakers in a move that was intended to bring new energy to the discussions. The move came during this presidential campaign that has both major party candidates coming …
Low Feed Prices Could Help Boost Livestock Production Output Next Year
When USDA released their August crop production report last Friday, it showed that both the U.S. corn and soybean crop is expected to see a record harvest this year. And while corn growers may be watching what could be the biggest crop in history develop, this does affect the price. USDA lowered its corn average price forecast by 7 ½ …
Landowners in Florida Reminded EQIP Signup is Underway
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida wants producers to know that signup is underway for 2017 funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Christine Coffin, district conservationist in the Florida City NRCS field office, explains. Play Audio Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher …