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 ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding …
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 …
Florida Beef Council Congratulates Masters of Beef Advocacy Program for Major Milestones
With Help from Florida, National Program Celebrates 10 Years, 15,000 Graduates (FBC-September 10, 2019) — Beef producers in Florida are helping salute a program achieving major milestones in beef advocacy across the country. The Beef Checkoff-funded Masters of Beef Advocacy program celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2019 by welcoming its 15,000th graduate. The MBA program, which many Florida producers have …
4-H Volunteer Spotlight: Denise Erekson
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS-September 10, 2019) — When Denise Erekson and her family moved from Texas to Hardee County, Florida, in 2009, she was looking for ways to get her five daughters involved in their new community. She soon met Carolyn Wyatt, director of UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County, who suggested that Denise’s daughters join 4-H. Though Denise had never been a …