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 …
USDA to Host Market Based Webinars for Livestock Producers
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 Webinar to Explain How to Apply for CIG
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 …
National FFA Organization Awards Scholarships
The National FFA Organization has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to 974 recipients, thanks to the generosity of 309 sponsors and donors. This year marks the 37th year for the scholarship program. More than 4,656 students applied online for the scholarships, with many applicants being considered for multiple awards. The scholarships were available to students pursuing two-year or four-year degrees, or …
70th UF/IFAS Florida Beef Cattle Short Course Starts Tuesday
The 70th Annual University of Florida/IFAS Beef Cattle Short Course kicks of Tuesday, May 4. This year’s event will be a scaled down virtual event that runs three evenings from 6:00 8:00 pm Eastern via Zoom. The program this year will focus on efficiency and its importance to the beef industry, and each night will consist of two speakers. Dr. Todd …
University of Florida Students Learn about Preparing Beef
During a special class, some University of Florida students recently had a chance to learn more about beef cuts and dishes. Florida Beef Council (FBC) Director of Education & Promotion, DeAnne Maples, says they also had a chance to grill a steak. For more information about Beef Checkoff activities in the state, contact the FBC office in Kissimmee or go to their …
Excellent Support for 2021 SLE Rodeo
The Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) Rodeo saw excellent support for its 2021 event which took place this past weekend at the Garret Coliseum in Montgomery. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Vice President, Erin Beasley, says it was an outstanding rodeo and a world-class event.
FFA Students Share Ag Story for National Ag Day
(NAFB) — This week, students from around the country will be busy sharing the importance of agriculture, all in celebration of National Ag Day which is today, March 23. The day celebrates agriculture and provides an opportunity for those in the industry to share the importance of agriculture with a broader audience. The future of agriculture is strong, and this …
Celebrate Ag Day on March 23
Celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture. And this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a virtual Ag Day event will take place. It will include updates from government leaders and honor the contributions of American agriculture. Food brings everyone to the table, and the virtual program will include both live and pre-recorded segments with remarks from government leaders on the agriculture industry’s …
NRCS Florida State Technical Committee Meeting is Wednesday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners that they will conduct a State Technical Committee meeting Wednesday, March 3. This virtual conference will be chaired by Florida State Conservationist Juan Hernandez. He looks at some of the topics for this year’s meeting. The State Technical Committee is composed of individuals and groups from a variety …