Thank a Farmer for Food, Fiber, Fuel, and Our Future

By Deborah Tannenbaum, State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency; Juan Hernandez, State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Davina Lee, Regional Office Director for USDA’s Risk Management Agency March 22 is National Ag Day, a time for us to thank farmers and ranchers for feeding, sheltering and powering our nation. We also want to celebrate and …

USDA Grant to Help UF Scientists Increase Beef Cattle Reproduction

A University of Florida animal scientist and his colleagues are trying to help ranchers produce beef more consistently by improving their herd’s reproductive performance. And this is possible thanks to a $650,000 grant they received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to try to increase beef cattle reproduction. “We anticipate finding tools …

USDA Preparing Support for Fire-Affected Counties in Florida

The USDA Florida Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Deborah Tannenbaum, has announced that Bay, Liberty, Franklin, Gulf and Calhoun counties have received preliminary authorization for the implementation of the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP). “FSA stands ready to help wildfire-impacted producers get back on their feet,” said Tannenbaum. “Once you are able to safely evaluate the impact on your operation, be …

Florida Agriculture Included in State Budget

The 2022 Florida Legislative Session wrapped up last week when lawmakers passed the $112.1 billion budget for next fiscal year. Looking at some of the ways that relates to agriculture, in her final legislative report for the session Mary Ann Hooks, director of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Government Affairs, noted they did exceptionally well and they are thrilled to …

Interview with 2022 ANCW President, Reba Mazak

We caught up with the 2022 American National CattleWomen (ANCW) president, Reba Mazak, who is a cow/calf producer from Florida. Listen to the interview: Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials …

Big-Florida Budget

(NSF) — Governor Ron DeSantis says the 112.1-billion-dollar budget approved by the Legislature on Monday may be too generous in areas, and those celebrating inclusion of their projects in the spending plan should refrain from celebrating too early. DeSantis says he expects to make cuts throughout the record budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1st. Without getting …

Fried Comments on FDACS New Budget

The 2022 Florida legislative Session came to an end this past Monday, when lawmakers passed that record $112.1-billion budget. During a press conference, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried discussed the dollars allocated for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded …

FDACS Seeking Nominations for Ag Environmental Leadership Award

It was announced this week that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has opened the nomination period for the 2022 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said, â€śThrough work in soil and conservation, pesticide and nutrient management, wildlife habitat conservation, and so much more, these significant environmental contributions are the backbone of Florida’s thriving agriculture industry, making a …

Florida Announces Dates of 2023 Legislative Session

Now that the 2022 session has ended, dates for the 2023 Florida Legislative Session have been announced. A schedule that was posted this week on the Florida Senate website shows it will run from March 7 through May 5, 2023. According to the News Service of Florida, while the 2022 session did end Monday, it remains unclear whether lawmakers will need to hold a special …