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 …
Additional Guidance from FDACS Regarding COVID-19
(FDACS) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is issuing additional guidance regarding COVID-19 for the agriculture industry, consumers, and regulated industries. “As COVID-19 further sweeps across our state, I want to remind Floridians that our food supply is safe, our agricultural industry is strong, and we’re going to get through this together,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “We are …
Florida Lawmakers Pass $93.2 Billion Budget, Face Uncertainty
(NSF) — State lawmakers on Thursday approved a record $93.2 billion budget for next year, with attention already focused on a potential need to revisit the spending plan this summer as the novel coronavirus upends the economy. The budget (HB 5001), which takes effect July 1, was approved in a 104-0 vote by the House and a 32-0 vote by …
FFAA — Business as Near Normal as We Can Make It
(FFAA) — FFAA is working closely with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and others to ensure the agchem and grower supply chains are prioritized and deemed essential services. As of an 11:30 a.m. call on Wednesday, March 18, FDACS activities are proceeding as near normally as possible. Consideration is being given to extensions of expiring licenses and …
Public Field Hearings in Florida, Georgia on Seasonal and Perishable Produce Postponed
Washington, DC – Consistent with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the field hearings scheduled in Florida and Georgia on April 7 and April 9 by the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Commerce will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date. The Office of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer had scheduled hearings …