It’s been announced that the Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Matt Lohr will be stepping down. Gary Crawford talked with him about the fact he is needed back on the farm, thus the decision to leave NRCS.
Watering Tools to Help Solve Your Drought Problems
Some watering tools to help solve your dry yard problems. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’re not getting enough rain there are some products like hoses and sprinkler systems that will help your thirsty potted plants, garden plants, and lawn have everything they need to stay healthy and hydrated. It’s much easier to maneuver around the …
Rainy Forecast to Help Alleviate Dry Conditions
Farmers in Alabama, Georgia and most of Florida can expect to receive substantial amount of rainfall over the next few weeks, said Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agricultural Climatologist. It should help alleviate some of the drought-like conditions that are being experienced in all three states. “I looked at the forecast for the next two weeks and it …
Commissioner Fried Announces Second Phase of Improvements to Prescribed Burning Program
Tallahassee, Fla.– Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service announced today a second phase of major enhancements to the prescribed burning program, which is authorized by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Prescribed burning in Florida is a national model for successfully managing statewide forests and lands through safe, controlled, carefully managed prescribed fire. A scientifically sound …
Weed Suppression Treatment Effects on Tree Seedling Establishment
When we hear talk about cover crops, most of us think of row crop agriculture. But annual cover crop species can be used for more than cover in rotations with agricultural crops. A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Plant Materials Center in Missouri recently completed an evaluation of annual covers to suppress weeds during the …
Maximizing Benefits of Cover Crops for Soil Health
Investing in soil health is an adaptive strategy to improve the sustainability and productivity of soils. Cover cropping is a management practice in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) toolbox used to contribute to soil health on working lands. The NRCS Plant Materials Program, through its network of Plant Materials Centers (PMCs), recently completed a …
EPA Supports States in Addressing PFAS Across the Southeast
ATLANTA (July 29, 2020) — On Tuesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the progress it has made in aggressively addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the national level as it implements the PFAS Action Plan — the most comprehensive cross-agency plan ever to address an emerging chemical of concern. Just as important as this progress at the federal …
Dry Weather Could Impact Essential Nutrients in Cotton, Peanuts
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension soils and fertility specialist Glen Harris cautions cotton growers and peanut producers about the impact that the current dry weather can have on essential nutrients in their respective crops. “We have dried out a little. We’re hoping to get some good rains here in late July and going into August,” Harris said. “The two biggest …
Irrigation Vital for Row Crops During Hot, Dry Conditions
Hot and dry conditions over the next few weeks could spell trouble for row crop farmers if they do not apply irrigation in a timely manner. According to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agricultural Climatologist, current weather conditions could persist for the next month. She even hinted that a short-term flash drought could be possible considering the lack …
Hot, Dry Weather Expected Over Next Month
By Clint Thompson Hot and dry conditions appear to be the norm for the Southeast over the next month according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. That is not good news for dryland farmers who depend on rainfall to provide moisture. It is also sobering news for producers since irrigation will once again play a vital role …