(UF/IFAS) — In the time of COVID-19, plants still get sick, and the soil that nourishes them needs care. The health of plants and soil is critical to agriculture, an industry designated an essential service in response to the pandemic. That’s why today, when many American universities have transitioned to online-only and their employees adapt to working from home, scientists …
Florida NRCS Extends Agricultural Land Easement Signup
The deadline for applications to fund Agricultural Land Easements in Florida has been extended to May 6. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida provides financial assistance to conservation partners to purchase an Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) that protects the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically …
Lack of Rainfall Impacting Florida Agriculture
By Clint Thompson Lack of rainfall in March in Florida could have major implications for Florida agriculture. David Zierden, a state climatologist at Florida State University’s Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies, said most of the state is currently experiencing conditions that are drier than normal. “With these very warm temperatures we’ve seen in the month of March and only fractions …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Asks Congress to Prioritize Agriculture, Nutrition, Broadband During COVID-19
(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried sent a letter to Congressional leadership requesting additional federal flexibility for industries and programs critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter, sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, asked that additional Congressional action on the pandemic include: Making federal SBA disaster loans available …
Florida Cattle Producer Promotes Industry
During this time when we are all dealing with Covid 19, it’s nice to move away from that topic a bit to hear from a Florida cattle producer who really enjoys what he does. Rabe Rabon from Okeechobee, Florida, formerly participated in the rodeo circuit, but recently told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman, he is now trying to grow his cattle …
COVID-19 Response: UF/IFAS Extension Statewide Uses Multiple Methods to Meet Floridians’ Needs
(UF/IFAS) — From Homestead to Pensacola, UF/IFAS Extension agents and staff are using all tools necessary – including many virtual activities — to help businesses, neighbors and governments navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19. Here are some examples from UF/IFAS Extension county offices and Florida 4-H of our faculty assisting their communities around the state: Pinellas JP Gellerman, director of …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 03-21-2020
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended March 21, 2020, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the Week ended-March 20, 2020, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 5,100 head compared to 11,073 last week and 14,577 …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Issues Emergency Orders & Rules During COVID-19
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried issued the following emergency orders and rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this pandemic, we are taking every step necessary to protect Floridians,” said Commissioner Fried. “This includes waiving fees for businesses and license applicants, extending the expiration on concealed weapons and security guard licenses by 30 days, providing training flexibility for workers, and helping …
Good Legislative Session for Florida Agriculture
The 2020 Florida Legislative Session has come to an end, as both the House and Senate voted to pass the $93.2 billion budget on Thursday for the upcoming fiscal year. And according to Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, overall agriculture did very well. But he also knows Lawmakers are already focused on a potential need …
Wet, Mild Winter Will Impact Georgia’s Pecan Crop This Season
By Clint Thompson Wet and mild winter conditions could have major implications on Georgia’s pecan crop this season. With temperatures in the low 80s, following an extreme wet period on March 4 and 5, the state’s pecan trees should be changing in the next few weeks, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “As far as any …