Tuesday morning, the Florida Forest Service (FFS) announced there were nearly 160 wildfires burning some 33,600 acres throughout Florida. FFS wildland firefighters and resources from numerous fire and emergency service departments have been working around the clock to help suppression efforts. This includes the Chipola Complex, which encompasses three wildfires that have grown to over 29,200 acres. This is all due to …
Don’t Be Stumped by the 2022 Timber Market
The Alabama timber industry is successfully healing after the COVID-19 pandemic’s temporary crippling of the market two years ago. The virus’s impact on mill capacity rates and lumber prices started in early 2020, and it is still likely to cause problems in the supply chain from time to time in 2022. According to a story from the Alabama Cooperative Extension …
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 …
The Initiative to Incentivize Climate Smart Ag and Forestry
A USDA initiative could soon establish its framework for research and testing to help producers and landowners establish incentives for climate smart agriculture and forestry practices. According to a story from Rod Bain, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says current USDA programs have great potential to incentivize producers and landowners to undertake these practices. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding Crucial …
USDA to Conduct First National Agroforestry Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct the first-ever National Agroforestry Survey. The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is mailing the survey to 11,000 farmers and ranchers next week to gather information on agroforestry practices used for climate, conservation and production. NASS Agricultural Statistics Board Chair, Joe Parsons, explains the various agroforestry practices that will be part of this …
USDA To Conduct First-Ever National Agroforestry Survey
(WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2022) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the first National Agroforestry Survey, beginning next week. Data collection will begin Feb. 1 and conclude on April 5, 2022. The survey will be sent to 11,100 farmers and ranchers nationwide to gather information on the five agroforestry practices used for climate, …
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, Florida Forest Service Celebrate Florida Arbor Day
(Tallahassee, FL/January 21, 2022)—Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service are celebrating Florida Arbor Day. Held annually on the third Friday of January, Florida Arbor Day is a time to highlight the many benefits that trees provide to our state’s economy, ecosystems, and communities. While Arbor Day is celebrated nationally in April, many states recognize a state Arbor Day to coincide with …
Species to Consider Tapping for a More Unique Spin on an Old Classic
The many trees you can tap for syrup to sweeten your favorite breakfast treats. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Although you definitely won’t get the traditional maple syrup taste from these trees, there are at least 15 other species you can consider tapping for a more unique spin on the old classic. The sugar maple is the …
USDA Renews Partnership with Federation of Southern Cooperatives
During an event held Monday in East Point, Ga., Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined the Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, Cornelius Blanding, to sign an agreement signifying a continued partnership between USDA and the nonprofit organization. The partnership aims to increase the number of minority landowners in the South and support them in sustainable forestry and …
Restoring Longleaf Pine Forests through USDA-NRCS Program
While longleaf pine forests once encompassed more than 90 million acres across the Southeast, the past couple of centuries has seen development, timbering and fire suppression reduce the ecosystem’s range. These forests represent some of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems and are home to nearly 600 plant and animal species. That is why USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) …