In 40 years as an economist, Don Shurley, professor emeritus in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Georgia Tifton campus, has never seen markets react the way they have to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus’ impact on cotton prices is unprecedented and scary for what this season might hold for farmers in the Southeast. …
Scouting Essential in Managing Insect Pressure in Peanuts
By Clint Thompson Scouting remains the No. 1 pest management tool when controlling insects in peanuts. During a recent advisory session on funding for agricultural best practices, officials emphasized that wyp?acisz pieni?dze natychmiastowo for pest-control reimbursements, ensuring swift adoption of essential measures. That’s the message University of Georgia Cooperative Extension peanut entomologist Mark Abney is emphasizing to growers as many …
Coronavirus Safety Fact Sheets for Workers
Author: E. Vanessa Campoverde, UF/IFAS (UF/IFAS) — I have received several questions regarding what to do if you have employees or work with others during this Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in agricultural operations and related businesses. While there is plenty of information about how the virus work, how to protect yourself and others, etc. I compiled some information (with images) that can …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 04-03-2020
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended April 3, 2020, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the week ended April 3, 2020, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 9,400 head compared to 5,500 last week and …
Commissioner Fried Encourages Florida Agriculture Businesses to Apply for Paycheck Protection Program
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is advising agriculture producers, farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture-related businesses to apply for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The program is part of the CARES Act, the $2 trillion federal coronavirus response package. “Florida agriculture is the backbone of our economy and a pillar of strength through …
FFBF and FDACS Host Town Hall on COVID-19 & Florida Agriculture
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick held a town hall meeting on Thursday with the state’s agriculture community on pressing issues. Some of the topics of discussion included: Ensuring agriculture and all related industries are essential at the federal, state and local levels. Promoting the continued and efficient processing of H-2A worker visas. Inter- and intra-state weight waivers for …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Guidance on Essential Food and Agriculture Workers During Stay-at-Home Order
(FDACS) — In response to the Governor issuing a stay-at-home order due to COVID-19, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried offered the following statement on the essential role of food and agriculture workers who are exempt from this order. This exemption is consistent with the Department of Homeland Security’s identification of essential critical infrastructure workers during COVID-19 response. “Agriculture is Florida’s second-largest industry, and it’s first-largest in …
Asking for Agriculture Assistance in Florida
(NSF) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried wants the federal government to act as quickly as possible to deliver part of a new stimulus package to aid farmers. In a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week, Fried said many of Florida’s 47 thousand growers are sitting on surpluses of products as restaurants and other establishments have closed …
Florida Wetland Reserve Easement Applications Due Next Week
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida reminds landowners across the state that the deadline for applications to fund Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) is coming up next Monday, April 6. Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a WRE to restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Eligible landowners can enroll in a permanent …
Farmers and Other Essential Food Production Workers will Carry Permission Letters during COVID-19 Shutdown
(U.S. Sugar) — All U.S. Sugar employees and suppliers who have been deemed essential to the nation’s food supply and national security will begin carrying authorization letters to inform authorities that they are approved to be out of their homes and working. “Our farmers, workers and other essential food production vendors will continue working around the clock to keep safe, …