Agriculture Included in New COVID-19 Relief Package

The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, known as “The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” is now official as President Biden signed the bill late last week. We’ve all heard how the package will include $1,400 stimulus checks for qualifying individuals, extends unemployment benefits, and more. But it also increases assistance through USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). And according …

Signup for Funding to Remove Cogongrass Infestations in Florida Announced

(NRCS/FL) — Florida forest landowners in parts of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties can apply for financial assistance to manage invasive Cogongrass until March 26 from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $60,000 this fiscal year to remove the highly invasive Cogongrass in Florida. One of the world’s top-ten worst weeds, Cogongrass is threatening longleaf …

Florida Couple Pleased with NRCS CSP Contract

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners they are accepting Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications for the fiscal year 2021 through March 26. A couple with a livestock operation in Frostproof, Florida has been pleased with their CSP contract. Arshad and Uma Malik raise sheep and goats on their Polk County farm, and have a CSP contract with prescribed grazing …

Florida Cattlemen Concerned with Water Issue

The 2021 Florida Legislative Session kicked off this past Tuesday, and already various issues are before state lawmakers. One of those issues involves water, and more specifically the Central Florida Water Initiative. Director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Sam Ard, says they perceive legislation will be filed to address issues with it. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida …

Florida Legislative Session is Underway

The 2021 Florida Legislative Session officially kicked off Tuesday morning, as the House and Senate convened in a joint session. According to the News Service of Florida (NSF), during the event Gov. Ron DeSantis gave a 28-minute State of the State address that focused heavily on the state’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. But he also touched on protecting the state’s natural resources …

Gov. Ron DeSantis Gives His State of the State Address to Florida Joint Session

(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis gave his State of the State address Tuesday to formally start the 2021 legislative session. Here are his remarks, as prepared for delivery: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the House and Senate, and fellow citizens: I see, in many parts of our country, a sad state of affairs: schools closed, businesses shuttered and lives …

Florida Beef Council Focusing on Introducing Beef to Youngsters

The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans addressed the introduction of solid foods to infants and toddlers. The Florida Beef Council (FBC) is promoting that beef is included in this information, and they are working to help families establish good eating habits. FBC Director of Education & Promotion DeAnne Maples says they are focusing on providing information to parents on how …

Program Pays Ranchers in Southwest Florida to Help Panthers

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants ranchers in the Southwest part of the state to know they may be able to get paid for helping the Florida panther. NRCS, through the Conservation Stewardship Program, will provide technical and financial assistance for conservation practices that improve its habitat. The signup deadline, through this Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project, is March 26. The Florida panther lives …