(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) …
A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer
As we celebrate Christmas this year, Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman brings back an old favorite, “A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer” written by S. Omar Barker. A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PRAYERby S. Omar Barker (1895-1985) I ain’t much good at prayin’,and You may not know me, Lord —For I ain’t much seen in churches,where they preach Thy Holy Word.But you may have observed …
New H-2A Labor Wages Effective Dec. 29
A recent issue of the Florida Citrus Mutual Triangle newsletter provided information about the wage that growers must pay H-2A labor, effective Dec. 29. H-2A workers are foreign agricultural workers who are allowed to work in the United States temporarily. In recent years, the vast majority of Florida citrus has been harvested by H-2A workers. The Employment and Training Administration …
USDA to Issue Final Pandemic Payments for Timber Harvesters and Haulers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will start issuing final pandemic assistance payments to timber harvesters and timber hauling businesses through the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) program next week. Overall, $200 million will be provided to loggers and log trucking businesses who experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 through Dec. …
Wild Turkey Habitats
A survey by the National Turkey Federation (NTF) says over this Thanksgiving holiday 88% of us will be eating turkey. And while most of those birds served up will be farm raised, some gobblers will be hunted in the wild. Around 6.2 million wild turkeys trot around the U.S. and can be found in 49 of the 50 states, thriving in woodlands …
Safety Cautions and Preparations for Tree Cutting and Felling
The safety cautions and preparations for tree cutting and felling. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Before the real work of tree removal can begin, prep work will make all the difference between success and something much, much worse. As a recent study noted, logging is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, and fatality …
Reasons to Leave Tree Removal to the Experts
Before attempting to remove a tree on your property, it’s essential to understand the risks and complexities involved. While DIY solutions might seem appealing, they can lead to dangerous situations or further property damage. It’s always a smart idea to Talk to a tree service contractor in Lafayette before you do anything yourself. These experts have the knowledge, tools, and …