Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended April 30, 2021, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the week ending April 30, 2021, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 16,800 head compared to 11,520 last week and …
Florida Lawmakers End 2021 Legislative Session
After passing a record $101.5 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, Florida lawmakers this afternoon ended the 60-day legislative session. According to the News Service of Florida, both the Florida House and Senate adjourned “sine die” — a traditional motion — about 2:40 p.m. Along with passing the budget, lawmakers in the closing hours of the …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS Submit Public Comment on USDA Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy
Tallahassee, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services submitted formal public comment on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the President’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. As part of the Executive Order, the USDA was directed to collect stakeholder input on a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy. Commissioner Fried …
Florida Buys 5,734 Acres From Alico
The state of Florida recently purchased approximately 5,734 acres of Alico Ranch for $14.4 million from Alico, Inc. The purchase was made under the Florida Forever program, pursuant to an option agreement between the state and the company earlier this fiscal year. “This is now the third sales transaction we have completed with the state of Florida within the last three years, …
Florida Farm Bureau Applauds Gov. DeSantis for Signing Historic Right to Farm Bill
Gainesville, Fla.–April 29, 2021 – Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick issued this statement after Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 88, Farming Operations, a historic bill that modernizes Florida’s Right to Farm Act. “On behalf of Florida’s farmers and ranchers, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation applauds Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their support of Florida’s Right to …
Financial Assistance Helps Ag Producers in Florida Improve Water Quality
Agricultural producers in select watersheds in Florida can apply for financial assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) until May 31 to improve water quality in coastal waters. The lower Suwannee watersheds are Long Pond and Long Pond Slough in Levy County and the North Old Town Hammock watershed in Gilchrist and Dixie counties. If landowners show interest, NRCS proposes funding …
Florida Lawmakers to Vote Friday on Budget
Florida lawmakers are scheduled to vote Friday afternoon on a record $101.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year and end the regular legislative session on time. According to the News Service of Florida, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, announced that the budget went to lawmakers at 12:06 p.m. Tuesday, starting a legally required 72-hour “cooling off” period before …
University of Florida Students Learn about Preparing Beef
During a special class, some University of Florida students recently had a chance to learn more about beef cuts and dishes. Florida Beef Council (FBC) Director of Education & Promotion, DeAnne Maples, says they also had a chance to grill a steak. For more information about Beef Checkoff activities in the state, contact the FBC office in Kissimmee or go to their …
USDA Awards New Partnership Project in Florida
USDA will be investing $330 million in 85 locally driven, public-private partnerships, including the “Surface to Springs” project in Florida. Projects are awarded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The program’s goal is to address climate change, improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The U.S. …
Cotton, Peanut Planting Underway
While the recent cool, wet weather hampered the start to planting season across the Southeast, both cotton and peanut seed are going in the ground. According to the weekly report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), planting progress is fairly even with what has been normal over the past five years. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says …