The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) thanked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its announcement that it will extend by 60 days, until Jan. 25, the public comment period during which the agency is seeking information on the proper names for plant-based beverages. The original deadline was Nov. 27. “It is crucial that all interested parties have adequate time …
Farm Bureau Survey: Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Down for Third Straight Year
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 33rd annual survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $48.90, or less than $5.00 per person. This is a 22-cent decrease from last year’s average of $49.12. “Since 2015, the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner has declined steadily and is …
Putnam to Raise Concerns About Revamped NAFTA
State Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will voice concerns Thursday about the potential impact on Florida’s produce industry of the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada. Putnam, who has been a critic of the original agreement known as NAFTA, is slated to appear before the U.S. International Trade Commission. When President Donald Trump’s administration …
Corn Plantings to Overtake Soybeans in 2019
An analysis of USDA data says corn will take over the top spot from soybeans in planted acres during the next growing season. The Hagstrom Report says it is a reaction to market conditions created by President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports. The data shows corn plantings will likely exceed soybeans by nine to 10 million acres between 2019 …
October Tractor Sales Mostly Flat
Sales of tractors remained mostly flat in October while combine sales declined. According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer’s October Ag Tractor and Combine Report, overall sales remained positive year-to-date. U.S. sales in October, compared to last year, of four-wheel-drive tractors were flat with a one-percent drop month-over-month. October year-to-date growth was 13.5 percent for four-wheel-drive tractors. Total U.S. sales …
FDACS Accepting Applications for Specialty Crop Grants
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is now accepting applications for $4 million in expected federal funding for the Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The deadline to submit an application to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is Jan. 11, 2019. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, …
Cattlemen’s College Set For New Orleans in January
Event in New Orleans Jan. 29-30, 2019, will give Producers a Leg Up in Cattle Industry Staying a step ahead in the cattle industry is no small challenge. Cattlemen and women looking to find that extra step will be attending the 2019 Cattlemen’s College in New Orleans, La., Jan. 29-30. More than a thousand producers are expected to attend the …
UF/IFAS Researchers Help Industry Keep Central Florida Green
As the lead horticulturalist for Echo Conversions Group, Inc., Kyle Petersen knows his way around plants. But he was still surprised to learn so much more about insects, weeds and fertilizer use when he participated in a class offered by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He was one of 20 participants in the program held …
Peterson Expects New Farm Bill in Lame-Duck Session
The likely incoming Chair of the House Agriculture Committee says farmers and ranchers can expect a new farm bill before the end of 2018. Collin Peterson, the current Ranking Member, said farm bill negotiators are getting “relatively close” to an agreement on a final measure that Congress could pass during the lame-duck session. Various ag industry groups fear that starting …
USDA Partners with Communities to Bring High-Speed Broadband e-Connectivity Infrastructure to Rural Areas
More than 27,000 Businesses and Residents to Get Improved e-Connectivity Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that USDA is investing in infrastructure projects in a dozen states (.pdf) to improve e-Connectivity in rural communities. “In the modern economy, rural broadband is a lifeline to quality of life and economic opportunity,” Hazlett said. “With that impact, USDA is fiercely …