Agri View: Pine Beetle Outbreak

Everett Griner talks about the damage the southern pine beetle outbreak is causing to pine trees in today’s Agri View. Pine Beetle Outbreak There are more pine trees in America than any other kind. More pines are cut, and the lumber has more uses than any other type of tree. But, the southern pine beetle has struck again. Right now, …

UF/IFAS Rethinking Forest Protection; Hosts UN Expert as Lecturer

With trees, we enjoy healthier air, shade, a way to store carbon, economic opportunities and much more. Without them, we could wind up with a devastated ecosystem and much lost revenue, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers say. In fact, Florida’s forest industry generated $12.5 billion in sales in 2016, according to recent UF/IFAS economic research. …

Putnam Highlights Increased Wildfire Risk During Prescribed Fire Awareness Week

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service urge caution due to increased wildfire danger this spring and encourage support for prescribed fire during Florida’s Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, which is from Jan. 28 through Feb. 4. Prescribed fire is a vital tool used to reduce wildfire risk in Florida. “Following one of the most active …

USDA Invests in Wildfire Mitigation and Water Quality

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Jan. 16, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest nearly $32 million this year to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality and restore healthy forest ecosystems in 24 states and Puerto Rico. More than $400,000 of that funding will support the Ocala National Forest in Florida. The Ocala Longleaf Priority Protection Area project will restore …

West Alabama Landowners Reminded about Forestry Initiative

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind forestry landowners in Western Alabama that a special sign-up to ends January 21st. West Alabama Landowners Reminded about Forestry Initiative Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding to Enhance Brahman GeneticsMay 15, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary …

USDA Investing Millions in Wildfire Mitigation and Water Quality Projects Through Joint Chiefs’ Partnership

Projects will restore healthy forests on private and public lands in 24 states The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest nearly $32 million this year to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality and restore healthy forest ecosystems in 24 states and Puerto Rico. Since 2014, USDA has invested $176 million in 56 Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership Projects, which …

Florida Forest Industry Generates Nearly $13B in Annual Sales, 36,000 Jobs

Florida’s forest industry generated $12.55 billion in sales revenues in 2016, which translated to more jobs, according to a new UF/IFAS economic report. The sales figure is up about $4.77 billion from 2003, according to the report. More money sometimes means more jobs, and in the case of the forest industry, it did. For 2016, the industry directly employed 36,055 …

Putnam Provides Tips for Safe Christmas Tree Disposal

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam encourages Floridians to dispose of Christmas trees safely. Dry limbs and needles from discarded Christmas trees can be an ignition source for fire if not properly cleared away from homes and natural areas. One way to remove this potential fire hazard is by recycling Christmas trees. Many locations offer tree recycling services, such …