We often think about pesticide safety and best management practices when we are in the field spraying. You’re outside, you’re potentially exposed to the pesticide, and a gust of wind in the wrong direction could send it flying back into your face. However, your first interaction with pesticides on spray day takes place well before you step foot in the …
GDA Produce Safety Alliance to Hold In-Person Training Session
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has announced they will hold an in-person Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training August 12 in Tifton. According to GDA Produce Safety Education and Outreach Coordinator Maggie Brown, sign up for that training event is underway. The Grower Training Course satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that requires at least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm …
Producers Invited to Take Part in SE Hay Short Course
An expansion of the extension effort of the Southeastern Hay Contest has been announced. The University of Florida, University of Georgia and Auburn University forage teams are promoting a new event on hay production. It’s called the SE Hay Short Course, where producers and forage specialists from multiple states can take part in this inaugural event. Marcelo Wallau, assistant professor – forage extension …
USDA Funding Risk Management Education for Underserved Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing nearly $1 million in funding for universities and nonprofits to develop risk management training and educational tools aimed to assist historically underserved farmers and ranchers. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) Acting Administrator, Richard Flournoy, says they are funding nine projects to help producers effectively manage long-term risks and challenges. The nine projects …
USDA Invests Millions to Support Historically Black Colleges and Universities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment of over $21.8 million to 1890 Land-grant Institutions to support research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded these dollars to 1890 Land-grant Institutions to support 58 projects at Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation’s Land-grant University System and organizations as part …
Florida, Georgia FFA Members Named 2021 American Star Finalists
The National FFA Organization has announced the 16 finalists for its 2021 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. And 4 members from Florida and Georgia are among the 16 finalists. The American Star Awards represent the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree …
Alabama Rep. Barry Moore on Pandemic and Estate Taxes
The COVID-19 pandemic affected many aspects of our lives, including how certain things are looked at now in rural areas. Alabama Rep. Barry Moore (AL-2), a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, believes the pandemic revealed a significant need in rural America. Rep. Moore also addresses estate tax concerns that many in agriculture have right now.
UF/IFAS Pleased with New Budget
The new fiscal year for the state of Florida officially began on July 1, meaning the new budget year is underway. And when Governor DeSantis signed the annual budget in early June, he did not veto any University of Florida or UF/IFAS funds. Mary Ann Hooks, director of governmental affairs for UF/IFAS, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman they were pleased with their final budget. …
Educational Opportunities for Growers
Michael Rogers discusses several educational opportunities for citrus growers, including the Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo and Citrus Packinghouse Day. Rogers is the director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC). The Expo (Aug. 18-19) and Packinghouse Day (Aug. 26) will be held in-person this year after taking place virtually in …
Teachers Sharing FFA, Ag Opportunities
For years, teachers across the country have advocated for their students regardless of their environment. Agriculture educators across the country are sharing the story of FFA and agriculture education in their states and communities this summer. More than 82 agricultural education teachers will continue to share the story as part of the National Teachers Ambassadors for FFA Program. This includes …