(UF/IFAS) — As the novel coronavirus disrupts the usual methods to deliver food from farms to consumers, UF/IFAS Extension agents are helping connect growers with customers. Two such specialists are Sarah Bostick, an agriculture agent with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County and Lisa Hickey, a sustainability agent with UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County. The two are now working together to encourage farmers …
Farmer Sentiment Takes a Hit in March
(NAFB) — The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer took a dive in March, dropping 47 points from the previous month to a reading of 121. This was the biggest one-month drop in the history of the index, which dates back to late 2015. Declining agricultural commodity prices and the coronavirus impact on the U.S. economy and ag sector are …
Drivers Should Watch For Farmers During Planting Season
(ALFA) — Alabamians are encouraged to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, farmers are still performing essential work planting crops to feed, fuel and clothe consumers. That means drivers performing essential travel, such as to the grocery store, are sharing the road with more farm machinery. “Springtime means farmers are moving equipment to and from the field as they …
Coronavirus Safety Fact Sheets for Workers
Author: E. Vanessa Campoverde, UF/IFAS (UF/IFAS) — I have received several questions regarding what to do if you have employees or work with others during this Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in agricultural operations and related businesses. While there is plenty of information about how the virus work, how to protect yourself and others, etc. I compiled some information (with images) that can …
Georgia Governor Kemp Orders State Wide Shelter in Place Order
(GAC) — Governor Brian P. Kemp issued a shelter in place order for the state of Georgia. The order will be effective beginning Friday, April 3rd, at 6:00 PM and expire Monday, April 13th, at 11:59 PM. GAC staff have advocated for several weeks to ensure that all sectors of Georgia’s agribusiness industry, including farms, manufacturing, fertilizer, seed, ag retail, landscape, turf …
USDA Offices Doing Business by Phone or Electronically
There have been a few farmers, while in town recently, decided to stop by their local USDA Service Center but found the doors were locked. As Gary Crawford reports, that’s because many of those offices are temporarily doing business with producers only by phone or electronically. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle …
FFBF and FDACS Host Town Hall on COVID-19 & Florida Agriculture
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick held a town hall meeting on Thursday with the state’s agriculture community on pressing issues. Some of the topics of discussion included: Ensuring agriculture and all related industries are essential at the federal, state and local levels. Promoting the continued and efficient processing of H-2A worker visas. Inter- and intra-state weight waivers for …
USDA Seeks Public Comment on More Revised Conservation Practice Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to 49 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. The proposed revisions were posted this week and the public comment period closes April 23, 2020. There 49 updated national conservation practice standards include: agronomic practices for water quality and …
Southeastern Hay Contest Entry is Open
Producers from around the Southeast are encouraged to compete in the 2020 Southeastern Hay Contest. Submitting samples to this premier forage quality contest gives you the opportunity to prove your hay is the best. The contest is open to hay or baleage producers across 13 states, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Entries must be submitted by the farm where the …
Plants Most Vulnerable to Rust and How to Deal with it
In yesterday’s program, Cathy Isom filled you in about how to locate rust in your garden. Today she reviews the plants most vulnerable to rust and how to deal with it. There are so many species of rust that it’s pretty much impossible to list all of the plants that are susceptible to the disease. In fact, it’s even possible …