Judge Sides with Environmentalists in Land Conservation Dispute

Striking a blow to the Legislature, a Tallahassee judge said state lawmakers failed to comply with a voter-approved constitutional amendment to buy and preserve environmentally sensitive lands. Ruling from the bench Friday, Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson sided with environmental groups in the lawsuit centered on whether lawmakers “defied” the 2014 Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative by improperly …

Florida Cattlemen’s Convention Starts Monday

The 2018 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Trade Show gets underway Monday and runs through June 21st at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. FCA Director of Field Services, Dusty Holley, says along with various business that will be conducted, they have a lot of fun events scheduled too. Florida Cattlemen’s Convention Starts Monday Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and …

Governor and Cabinet Surpass 50K Florida Acres Preserved Through RFLPP

The Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of more than 8,300 acres through four cost-effective conservation easements, which prevent future development of the land and allow agricultural operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchases are part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), where the state partners with Florida’s farmers and ranchers to preserve active …

USDA Encourages Grower Attendance at WHIP Meetings

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency will hold several information sessions in Florida about the Wildfire Hurricane Indemnity Program (WHIP). The meetings are the first step in the Hurricane Irma relief package. The USDA is encouraging all growers who wish to participate in WHIP to attend at least one meeting. Below are the dates, times and locations …

Putnam Seeks Nominations for 2018 Woman of the Year in Agriculture

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is now accepting nominations for the 2018 “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award, which recognizes women in all areas of the industry who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture. The deadline for submitting nominations is July 31, 2018. Nominations may be submitted electronically by accessing the application located on the Woman …

UF/IFAS Hopes to Grow Vanilla, Meet Consumer Demand

For dessert, how about a scoop of ice cream flavored with vanilla from Florida’s farmers? Because so many consumers enjoy vanilla, University of Florida scientists hope to help Florida farmers grow the bean. Consumers have an appetite for vanilla. The U.S. leads the world in imported vanilla beans, said Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences at the UF …

EWP Helping Florida Landowners after Storms

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners that should they suffer damage from a natural disaster, the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program can help relieve imminent hazards to life and property. EWP Helping Florida Landowners after Storms Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides …

Dietitian Educating Florida Consumers About Beef Industry

The Florida Beef Council added a new person to its team last fall to help with promoting the beef message to consumers. Sarah Krieger, a Registered Dietitian, recently took part in a tour in Nebraska and explains how it is helping her educate consumers in Florida. Dietician Educating Florida Consumers about Beef Industry Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida …

Water Policy Key for Next Agriculture Commissioner

Maintaining Florida’s water supply, while balancing the growing needs of residents, farmers, tourists and businesses, is a priority for the candidates seeking to replace Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. The issue involves helping preserve diverse ecosystems, such as the Everglades and natural springs, without scuttling the economy. Candidates for agriculture commissioner are putting forward a variety of ideas, from continuing …