USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners that applications to fund agricultural easements in Florida are being accepted until April 25. NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through two programs, the Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). Through ALE, NRCS provides financial assistance to conservation partners for …
Lawmakers Look to Hemp as New Industry while Vegetable Gardens Headed to House Floor
With supporters pointing to the potential of a new industry, a House committee Thursday approved a plan for regulating production of hemp. The bill (HB 333), approved by the House State Affairs Committee, would create a regulatory framework that would be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which is led by Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a …
Florida Ag Commissioner Fried Meets with South Florida Farmers
Florida Agriculture Commissioner “Nikki” Fried joined a modest but representative group of south Florida farmers at Bedner Farms Wednesday near Boynton Beach, for an informal lunch and informational exchange about issues of concern to agriculture in the region. Water, weed, trade and the Department’s Fresh From Florida marketing campaign were among topics mentioned in her remarks after lunch, and she …
Lawmakers Grapple with Storm Funding as Calls Mount
As calls from hurricane-battered Northwest Florida grow more desperate for state and federal financial help, Sen. Bill Montford on Tuesday removed a request for $315 million from a relief package while lawmakers prepare for budget talks. Montford, a Tallahassee Democrat who is one of three Northwest Florida lawmakers behind the proposal (SB 1610), said removing the dollar figure will keep …
Florida Beef Council Promoting Beefster Eggs
For the past year and a half, the Florida Beef Council has been working with Sarah Krieger, a registered dietician who has been helping promote the beef message to consumers across the state. With Easter coming up this weekend, Krieger has a great idea for a beef promotion … beefster eggs. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Florida Cattleman Meets with President at White House 5G Announcement
by Gary Cooper National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President-Elect Marty Smith, a cattle producer from Wacahoota, Florida, represented the nation’s cattle industry at a Presidential press conference at the White House on Friday, April 12th. The purpose of the event was for the President to announce his plans for nationwide 5G service, with an emphasis on rural America. After the President …
Some Ag Facts Left Out of New SFWMD Discussion
by Gary Cooper The brand new governing board of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is revisiting the mission of the agency that spans 16 counties with a huge network of canals, pumps, levees and structures. Agricultural interests are concerned that this new board will adopt a mission that places the environment ahead of water supply and flood protection. …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 04-12-19
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended April 12, 2019, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the Week ended April 12, 2019, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 9,900 head compared to 13,712 last week and …
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces the Appointment of Ron Bergeron to the South Florida Water Management District Board
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Ronald M. “Alligator Ron” Bergeron to the board of the South Florida Water Management District. The appointment comes after the Florida Commission on Ethics voted 8-0 to adopt an advisory opinion allowing Bergeron to join the board. “I am pleased the Florida Commission on Ethics reached a conclusion on this matter and I …
Florida Agriculture Concerned with Budget Issues
The Florida agriculture community sent a letter this week to state budget leaders concerning issues with funding certain aspects of agriculture. Sam Ard, Florida Cattlemen’s Association director of governmental affairs, explains what the letter was about and updates other items still being discussed during the Florida legislative session. Here is a copy of the letter: Speaker of the House Jose …