To help residents, farmers and ranchers affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid people in their recovery efforts. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are actively responding, providing emergency response staffing and a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance …
UF Student Helps Design Corn Maze at Local Farm
Farmers and ranchers across Florida are fighting lack of consumer education on food systems by opening their properties to the public in a practice called agritourism. Agritourism allows non-farming folks to learn about the day-to-day operations of a working farm and see first-hand where their food comes from. One such farm is the Single R Ranch in Plant City, Florida. …
Green Group Blast Endorsement
NOTE: This website has reported several inconsistencies and misreporting of facts about Lake Okeechobee, the sugar industry and reporting about algae blooms in estuaries in southeast and southwest this summer. Please find some of these related reports at these links for your perusal: Florida’s Algae Blooms and Red Tide: Consider the Facts Political Event Falls Short on Facts Environmental groups …
Southeast Hay Contest Results Announced
Since 2004, the Southeast Hay Contest has been spotlighting high-quality hay and baleage production in the Southeast. And during this week’s Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia, the 2018 award winners were announced. Dr. Dennis Hancock, with the University of Georgia, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman that he was very pleased with this year’s contest. Southeast Hay Contest Results Announced …
EQIP Signup for Florida Landowners Continues
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida reminds farmers, ranchers and forest owners you have until November 2 to apply for financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Nathan Fikkert, Conservation Programs Specialist for NRCS, explains what this sign-up involves. EQIP Signup for Florida Landowners Continues Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture …
UF Gives Update on Crop Damage in Florida
As of Oct. 15, economists with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have begun gathering information they need to develop formal estimates of damages and crop losses Hurricane Michael inflicted upon agricultural and natural resources industries operating in Florida’s Panhandle. Dollar figures aren’t ready yet, but they’re on the way, said Alan Hodges, director of …
Caldwell, Fried Square Off to Replace Putnam
A state lawmaker from North Fort Myers who is a real-estate appraiser and an attorney from Fort Lauderdale who lobbies for the medical-marijuana industry are competing in next month’s election to replace term-limited Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. Unlike candidates in races for other Cabinet seats, Republican state Rep. Matt Caldwell and Democrat Nikki Fried haven’t completely avoided each other …
Promoting Beef at Tampa Bay Burger Week
The Florida Beef Council (FBC) is taking part in a big event that starts this week. FBC CEO Jim Handley says Tampa Bay Burger Week will run Oct. 18-28. Promoting Beef at Tampa Bay Burger Week Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To …
EAA Farmers, Inc. Issues Statement on Federal Authorization of EAA Reservoir
A statement from Danielle Alvarez, spokesperson for EAA Farmers, Inc., following the federal approval of the EAA reservoir: “Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) farm families are pleased that the EAA reservoir will be achieved in a way that will accomplish restoration goals while also protecting homegrown food supply. Restoration has been a tremendous success south of Lake Okeechobee and serves as proof that …
EWP Helps Florida Landowners after Hurricane
While Hurricane Michael didn’t affect all areas in Florida, it did some. And no matter when a natural disaster may strike, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants landowners to know if your area suffers damage, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) can help relieve imminent hazards to life and property. This includes damage caused by hurricanes, floods, fires and …