Arguing that time “is of the essence,” environmental groups Wednesday requested that a judge lift a stay of a ruling that found state lawmakers did not properly carry out a 2014 constitutional amendment that requires spending on land and water conservation. Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson in July ruled in favor of groups such as the Florida Wildlife Federation …
NRCS Providing Financial Assistance
Farmers and ranchers looking to make improvements to land you own or lease need to check with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). They offer voluntary programs to eligible landowners and producers that provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources sustainably. Through these programs NRCS approves contracts that provide financial assistance in helping plan and implement conservation practices …
USDA Partners to Improve Water and Wastewater Infrastructure for Rural Americans
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that USDA is investing $392 million (PDF, 238 KB) to help rebuild and improve rural water and wastewater infrastructure in 42 states. “Put simply, modern and reliable water infrastructure is foundational to quality of life and economic development,” Hazlett said. “USDA’s partnerships with rural communities underscore Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s commitment to rural …
Agri View: Plastic Destruction
Everett Griner is taking a serious look at a big problem. Everett talks about the destruction we are creating for our oceans with plastic in today’s Agri View. Plastic Destruction How often do you use a plastic straw? What do you do with it when you are finished? It doesn’t really matter. It generally winds up in our oceans. I …
Building Good Soil for Your Garden
Building good soil is important whether you are a gardner, farmer, or just love the outdoors. Cathy Isom has some ways to soup up your soil. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Building Good Soil for Your Garden When we take good care of our soil, we are helping our plants thrive and with very little work. Good …
Florida Successfully Combating Destructive, Disease-Carrying Giant African Land Snail
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that more than 168,000 giant African land snails (GALS) have been eliminated in Florida since the invasive snail was discovered in Miami-Dade County in 2011. In addition to threatening more than 500 varieties of plants and agricultural commodities, GALS consume plaster and stucco to get the calcium needed to grow their shells. The …
ASA Focusing on Monarch habitat
While trade issues remain a top priority for the soy industry, the American Soybean Association (ASA) is taking a moment this fall to highlight the importance of monarch habitat in its overall conservation efforts, which include soil and water quality, and pollinator preservation. This week, ASA launched a month-long effort on social media to showcase the importance of monarch habitat. …
Glyphosate Lawsuits Numbers Climbing
Bayer AG says the number of lawsuits against glyphosate is rising, adding to concerns about potentially lengthy and costly litigation. Bayer, which recently completed its acquisition of Monsanto, lowered its full-year earnings outlook stemming from delays in closing the deal. Bayer is now integrating the maker of Roundup, which contains glyphosate, into its company. The California lawsuit which set a …
State Officials Talk Dicamba in 2019
State pesticide regulators sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency with recommendations on re-registering three dicamba products for 2019. A DTN report says the American Association of Pesticide Control Officials want the EPA to set an early-season cutoff date, but only if states are permitted to use Special Local Needs labels to adjust those dates. These recommendations will carry …
Fast Track Rejected in Conservation Funding Case
An appeals court this week turned down a request by environmental groups to quickly move a major conservation-funding case to the Florida Supreme Court. Attorneys for the state House and Senate last month appealed a Leon County circuit judge’s ruling that said lawmakers did not properly carry out a 2014 constitutional amendment that requires spending on land and water conservation. …