By Sandra Avant, USDA Agriculture Research Service A new test kit, developed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists, could limit the spread of red imported fire ants. Since the red imported fire ant invaded the United States more than 85 years ago, it has infested 367 million acres. Each year, imported fire ants cost Americans $6 billion to control …
New Cost Share Opportunities for Organic Producers and Handlers
Organic Producers and Handlers May Apply for Certification Cost Share Reimbursements; Expanded Eligibility for Transition and State Certification Cost The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that starting March 20, 2017, organic producers and handlers will be able to visit over 2,100 USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices to apply for federal reimbursement to assist with the cost of receiving …
USDA Invests in Innovative Conservation Partnerships
Addition of 88 projects brings federal, partner investment to over $2 billion since 2014 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that 88 high-impact projects across the country will receive $225 million in federal funding as part of the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between …
Women in Agricultural Academics
UF/IFAS study: Women earn nearly half the doctorates in ag sciences, but not gaining stature Despite earning 44 percent of the doctorates in agricultural sciences, women hold just 23 percent of the tenure-track faculty positions at U.S. land-grant institutions, according to a new study led by a research team at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. …
Georgia Grower Wins Corn Yield Contest
Georgia farmer Randy Dowdy (dow-dee) took top honors in this year’s National Corn Growers Association 2016 Corn Yield Contest. Dowdy told Brownfield, “It’s not every day you get to announce you have 500-bushel corn.” Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida …
Avian Influenza Problems Continue in Asia and UK
A Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak is taking a toll on wild and domestic poultry flocks in Asia while another outbreak is just beginning in the United Kingdom. The outbreak has left authorities in Asian and European nations scrambling to deal with the disease and prevent further trouble. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril …
Public Comment Period on GIPSA is Open
The comment period on proposed Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration rules is now open and runs for 60 days. The aim of the proposed rules is to protect poultry and livestock producers. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle …
USDA Releases Local Food Marketing Survey Results
The National Ag Statistics Service released the results of its first-ever Local Food Marketing Practices Survey this week. Over 167,000 U.S. farms locally produced and sold food through direct marketing practices. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Panera Makes Animal Welfare Pledge for Broilers
Panera announced it will be adopting practices outlined in the Global Animal Partnership’s Broiler Chicken Standard. A CNBC Dot Com article says the non-profit organization created a five-step program it says promotes effective animal livestock care. The Standard requires no cages or crowding crates be used on animal farms. It also requires outdoor access for animals, as well as pasture …
CA Dairy Farmers Navigating Methane Reduction Bill
Dairy farmers in California now have more to consider in running their day-to-day operations. An article on Milk Business Dot Com says farmers face water issues, regulatory burdens, and the nation’s highest minimum wage. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida …