Florida’s farmers depend on healthy soil and clean water to produce crops. It’s how my family has grown citrus, strawberries and cattle for more than four generations. The quality of our natural resources has a direct impact on our crops and livelihood. I am a fifth-generation Floridian who was raised by a line of farmers, ranchers and businesspeople. All of …
Environmental Changes Teed Up for Florida Budget Talks
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/Feb. 22, 2022) — A controversial environmental bill the Senate massaged last week after outcries from Everglades activists, fishing guides and Gov. Ron DeSantis is ready to become part of budget talks with the House. With little comment, the House on Tuesday, took up the bill (SB 2508) and nine other Senate measures and positioned them for negotiations that will …
Florida Beef Council Working to Engage Producers
For the past few weeks, the Florida Beef Council (FBC) has been busy putting the final touches on the huge Beef Checkoff promotional event, the “Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300”. The race took place this past Saturday at the Daytona International Speedway, where the FBC teamed up with the Federation of State Beef Councils and staff from other state beef councils …
New Sentinel Landscape in Florida to Strengthen Military Readiness
The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership, comprised of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Interior (DOI) has announced three new areas designated as sentinel landscapes. These are areas where natural and working lands thrive alongside military installations and ranges, and play a key role in strengthening the nation’s military readiness while addressing natural resources concerns …
Livestock Market Reports for Week Ended 02-18-2022
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia for the week ended February 18, 2022, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the week ended February 18, 2022, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 13,800 head compared to 9,883 last week and …
Florida Senate Passes Revamped Water Bill
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/Feb. 17, 2022) — With a key lawmaker saying he wanted to clarify and counter “purposeful misinformation,” the Senate on Thursday changed a controversial measure that critics said could affect Everglades restoration projects. The measure (SB 2508) had drawn opposition from Gov. Ron DeSantis and critics such as fishing guides who raced to the Capitol to appear in the Senate …
USDA-NRCS Investing in Partner-Driven Conservation on Ag and Forest Land
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida and Georgia reminds conservation partners that up to $225 million in funding is being made available through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The partner-driven program leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. This year’s funding announcement includes opportunities for projects that address climate change, benefit …
Florida House Passes $105.3 Billion Spending Plan
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/Feb. 16, 2022) — What would be a record $105.3 billion spending plan bolstered by federal stimulus money was approved Wednesday by the Florida House, helping set up negotiations with the Senate on a final budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The House voted 102-14 to approve the proposal (HB 5001), after Democrats objected to shifting $200 million away from …
Florida Beef Council Ready for “Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300”
The Florida Beef Council (FBC) is putting the finishing touches on a big Beef Checkoff promotional event coming this weekend. Several folks from other states are coming in to help out during the “Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300” at the Daytona International Speedway. And during the recent Cattle Industry Convention in Houston, FBC Director of Education & Promotion DeAnne Maples promoted the big event. …
ACEP Working to Protect Wetlands in Florida
While wetlands are some of Florida’s treasures, over the years we’ve seen an acreage decrease of nearly half. According to a U.S Fish and Wildlife Service report, over 20 million wetland acres have been lost since settlers began draining and diking them back in the 19th century. And of course now, population growth continues to threaten what remains. USDA’s Natural Resources …