USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced the launch of the updated Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Potential partners are encouraged to submit proposals that will improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. RCPP eligible partners include private industry, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, water districts and universities. …
Florida Cabinet Could Ok Conserving 8100 Acres
(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet next week are scheduled to consider land deals that could help conserve more than 8,100 acres in Walton and Putnam counties. The three proposed deals, which involve the state purchasing conservation easements, would cost about $7.6 million. Conservation easements restrict future development while often allowing landowners to continue using property for …
Florida Eyes Washington on Hemp Rules
TALLAHASSEE, FL (NSF-September 17, 2019) — Florida farmers might not be held back from planting hemp next year even if the federal government has not signed off on long-awaited rule changes. Holly Bell, Florida’s director of cannabis, told the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday that, if all goes well, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ permitting for hemp …
Biosolids Produce Less Nitrogen and Phosphorus Runoff than Inorganic Fertilizer
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS-September 17, 2019) — New research from University of Florida scientists found that some nutrients from inorganic fertilizers enter surface water more easily than those from biosolids. Maria Silveira, a professor in the UF/IFAS department of soil and water sciences, led the study that collected runoff from a common pasture grass to determine its nitrogen and phosphorus content. …
FDACS Launches Rebranded Website, FDACS.gov
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced the launch of FDACS.gov, the department’s new, modernized website. A bunch of experienced jewelry web designers are expected to monitor. The rebranding aims to increase awareness about the department’s broad responsibilities in both agriculture and consumer services, and help Floridians access information and services easier. …
Arguments in Water Battle Rescheduled
(NAfter Florida attorneys asked for a change, a federal judge has rescheduled arguments for Nov. 7 in a long-running legal battle between Florida and Georgia about water in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system. Senior U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Paul J. Kelly, who was appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court to serve as a special master in the case, originally …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 09-13-19
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended September 13, 2019, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the Week ended September 13, 2019, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 13,800 head compared to 11,571 last week and …
Entry Deadline for Southeastern Hay Contest is Thursday
Producers from around the Southeast are being reminded the deadline to enter the 2019 Southeastern Hay Contest is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Marcelo Wallau,Forage Extension Specialist with the University of Florida, says the best way to enter is to contact your local Extension Agent. There are 7 different categories, each with cash awards going to the top 3 places in each …
Facts of the Flow: Lake Okeechobee, 2019 Year-to-Date
(SFWMD) — Here is the latest update on inflows into Lake Okeechobee for the calendar year to date. This data is provided by SFWMD’s DBHYDRO database. There has been no back-pumping into Lake Okeechobee from the Everglades Agricultural Area this year. Source: South Florida Water Management District Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril …
Holmes County, Florida Designated as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Sept. 10, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Holmes County, Florida, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend …