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 …

Final Week of Florida Legislative Session

This is the final week of the 2021 Florida Legislative Session, as it is scheduled to end Friday, April 30. Director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Sam Ard, has more information about the “Right to Farm” legislation that was passed and sent to the Governor last week, the budget process which should wrap up soon, and he discusses the possibility …

Florida Right to Farm Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

Just hours after the Florida House gave final approval Thursday, a bill that would expand legal protections for farmers was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to the News Service of Florida, the House voted 110-7 to support expanding the state’s “Right to Farm” law, a top priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. The Senate passed the bill (SB …

Crop Progress Across the Southeast

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently started issuing its weekly crop progress reports. For the week that ended April 18, NASS reports in Alabama, there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork; in Florida 6.3 days; while in Georgia, there were 6.1 days.. Corn planted in Alabama was at 60%, which compares to 59% last year and the 5-year …

Weather Hasn’t Been Conducive for Planting Peanuts in Florida

When USDA released its 2021 Planting Intentions Report in March, it noted there will be 2% less acres going to peanuts this year than what we saw in 2020. In Florida, acreage for peanuts was estimated at 180,000 acres, which is actually up 3% from last year. But in a phone conversation with Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman, Florida Peanut Producers Association …

Two Weeks Left in Florida Legislative Session

There are only two weeks remaining in the 2021 Florida Legislative Session, and according to the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Sam Ard, things are moving along pretty well for the ag community. Day 60 and the scheduled end to the Florida Legislative Session is April 30. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …

Livestock Market Report Week Ending 4-19-2021

Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended April 16, 2021, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the week ending on April 16, 2021, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 13,300 head compared to 11,071 last week …

Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett: Sparked the Creation of a Conservation Agency

Today’s farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners are better prepared to maintain healthy and resilient soil due to the tireless efforts of Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett, the Soil Conservation Service’s (SCS) first Chief and the Father of Soil Conservation, born 140 years ago on April 15, 1881. A maverick and visionary, Bennett knew that productive soils would help farmers, ranchers …