AgNet Media Interview with US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on COVID-19 in Rural Areas

National leaders are telling rural America to brace for the Omicron surge. While many rural areas have not yet faced a surge like urban areas, it’s likely to happen within the next few weeks. AgNet Media National Correspondent Sabrina Halvorson spoke with US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy about how the surge is affecting rural areas compared to urban. Halvorson: …

Farmers Continue to Expand Cover Crops

Farmers continue to plant more cover crops. Reuters says those include everything from grasses like rye and oats to legumes and radishes. Some of them get converted to biofuels or fed to cattle, but most aren’t harvested because they’re more valuable when they break down in the soil. Rob Myers of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture estimates cover crops grew …

Agriculture Waits for Big Decisions on Supreme Court Cases

This first week of 2022 could be a big one for several agricultural groups and stakeholders. The Supreme Court will likely hear several high-stakes cases that could affect America’s farmers and ranchers. A DTN report says the court recently distributed three of four agriculture cases scheduled for a January 7 conference. Those high-profile petitions include challenges to California’s Prop 12, …

Efforts to Address Rural Mental Health Issues

Concerns about increased stress and mental health problems in rural America have prompted various farm organizations to develop resources and programs to address this issue. Rod Bain has more details. Those interested are encouraged to learn more about the campaigns from the American Farm Bureau Federation and from the National Farmers Union. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to …

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 …

Deadline Extended to Apply for Pandemic Support for Organic Operations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) this week announced they have extended the deadline for agricultural producers who are certified organic, or transitioning to organic, to apply for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP). The deadline to apply for 2020 and 2021 eligible expenses was Jan. 7, 2022 but it’s been extended to Feb. 4, 2022. OTECP …

Best Uses for Using Oranges this Holiday Season

Some of the best uses for using Oranges this holiday season. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Oranges are not only a great stocking stuffer, this traditional Christmas fruit can be used for Marmalade, candles, and so much more. Rather than throwing those orange peels away, they can be candied and dipped into a little chocolate sauce to make a …

Unique and Tasty Veggie to Consider Growing

A unique and tasty veggie you may want to consider growing in your garden.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you want something special that isn’t fussy in the garden, try growing common ice plant. It’s  one of those veggies that chefs love because it makes a unique addition to the restaurant menu. Also known as salty …

Florida Farmers Grapple with Transportation Problems

(TALLAHASSEE/NSF/Dec. 2, 2021) — While global supply chain issues are reportedly easing, Florida farmers told lawmakers Thursday that perishable items with short shelf lives continue to struggle in being moved from fields to markets. During a meeting of the Senate Agriculture Committee, growers said the industry faces transportation and labor shortages in getting products out of the ground and to …