The Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of 2,523 acres of environmentally sensitive land within Corona Ranch in Okeechobee County through cost-effective conservation easements, which prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchase is part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, where the state partners with Florida’s …
UF, Invasive Species Centre Draw International Crowd to Invasive Pests Conference
Researchers from around the world will gather at what many consider to be a perfect storm for invasive aquatic plants. With 28 ports of entry and a tropical environment, Florida ranks first among states for invasive species. Thus, 250 scientists from 13 countries will gather at the 20th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species from Oct. 22 to 26 in …
WOTUS Argued Before the Supreme Court
The pork industry and other ag interests argued before the Supreme Court that now possibly moot lawsuits over the Obama administration Waters of the US. (WOTUS) rule should be handled at the federal district court level, not before an appellate court. The National Pork Producers Council and dozens of other agriculture groups in oral arguments before the high court, say …
Weed Scientist Has Doubts Over Dicamba Restrictions Effectiveness
The Environmental Protection Agency last week declared dicamba under it’s “restricted use” category, but a weed scientist from Illinois has doubts the new restrictions will be beneficial. Aaron Hager, a weed scientist and professor at the University of Illinois, told Reuters: “Nothing in these new restrictions addresses volatility, and that’s still an issue.” The EPA said Friday it would classify …
EPA Announced Dicamba Label Changes
The Environmental Protection Agency Friday announced new restrictions for dicamba-based herbicides, classifying dicamba as a restricted-use product. The EPA said that only certified pesticide applicators, or people under their supervision, will be allowed to spray dicamba. The EPA also is reducing the maximum wind speed and the hours during each day when dicamba may be sprayed and will require farmers …
Scott, Cabinet Consider Okeechobee Land Deal
Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet next week are slated to consider a $5.7 million deal that would help protect more than 2,500 acres of land in Okeechobee County. Under the proposed deal, the state would buy a conservation easement on property known as Corona Ranch. Conservation easements protect land from development, but owners typically can continue to use …
Florida NRCS Providing Help after Hurricanes
If your farm or ranch suffered damage from the recent hurricanes, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind you they can help. State Conservation Engineer Jason Strenth said financial and technical assistance for various projects may be available through their Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers QuestionsJune 5, …
USDA Suspends CRP Enrollment
The Department of Agriculture announced this week that it would process many pending eligible offers for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program. USDA also announced it would suspend accepting most new offers until later in the 2018 fiscal year. All current, eligible CRP continuous enrollment offers made through September 30th, 2017, except for those made under the Pollinator Habitat Initiative, …
Agri View: New Causes Arise of Dead Zones
Everett Griner talks about some new causes coming to light for dead zones in our oceans in today’s Agri View. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers QuestionsJune 5, 2026Cattle Producers Proud of Efforts Funded Through the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardMay 29, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding Crucial For Forage DevelopmentMay 22, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding …
Conservation Reserve Program Gets Renewed Attention at Confirmation Hearing
The Conservation Reserve Program got renewed attention at a recent confirmation hearing for nominees for top Department of Agriculture posts. Lawmakers focused on both acreage enrollment and emergency CRP haying and grazing. CRP has always been popular, but low crop prices and continuing droughts and other disasters are spurring renewed interest in the land conservation program. South Dakota Ag Senator …