usda

USDA Funding Risk Management Education for Underserved Producers

Dan Education, USDA-RMA

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 …

Black Colleges

USDA Invests Millions to Support Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Dan Education, USDA-NIFA

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 …

american star finalists

Florida, Georgia FFA Members Named 2021 American Star Finalists

Dan Education, Florida, Georgia

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

Alabama Rep. Barry Moore on Pandemic and Estate Taxes

Dan Alabama, Coronavirus, Economy, Education, Legislative

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.

ifas

UF/IFAS Pleased with New Budget

Dan Education, Research

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

Educational Opportunities for Growers

Dan Citrus, Citrus Expo News, Education, Vegetables

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 …

working

Teachers Sharing FFA, Ag Opportunities

Clint Thompson Education

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 …

agriculture

Increasing Agriculture Literacy

Dan Citrus, Education

Agriculture is the second largest industry in Florida, but there is uncertainty about the industry’s labor force, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recently reported. UF/IFAS stated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the market value of Florida agriculture at more than $7.46 billion. “But career interest from youth does not match the size …

oiff act

USDA to Host Market Based Webinars for Livestock Producers

Dan Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Education, Livestock

National Beef Month has been taking place through May, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using the month to roll out several market-based education tools for cattle and livestock producers. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Associate Deputy Administrator, Taylor Cox, says upcoming webinars will be held to help producers better understand and use AMS livestock mandatory reporting data. …

florida

Florida Webinar to Explain How to Apply for CIG

Dan Conservation, Education, Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida recently announced they will be investing $300,000 for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for high tunnel systems that improve weather resiliency and improve degraded plant conditions. The deadline to submit a proposal is July 12. And for those who would like more information on how to apply for a Florida state grant, a webinar will be held Thursday, May …