(NAFB) — The December Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer suggests farmers are optimistic about the future, despite a weakened perception of current conditions. The survey dropped three points in December to a reading of 150, down from 153 in November. The Index of Current Conditions dropped 12 points to 141, down from 153 in November. Meanwhile, the Index of Future …
DeSantis Likely to Get Environmental Money in Session
(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis appears poised for a victory as he seeks environmental money to combat water-quality problems that plague the state. DeSantis’ $625 million request for the upcoming legislative session includes money for Everglades restoration, fighting toxic algae outbreaks and boosting the Florida Forever land-preservation program, all issues popular among lawmakers and environmentalists. The proposal is the second …
Impossible Pork is Impossible; Violates Labeling Law
(NPPC) — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) called Impossible Foods’ naming convention for its plant-based products designed to mimic real pork a brazen violation of labelling law. Citing law that prohibits the use of words that redefine pork as it has been known by consumers for centuries, Dr. Dan Kovich, director of science and technology for the National Pork …
Senate Committee Approves USMCA; Ag Groups Respond
USMCA Action is a Welcome Start to 2020 (AFBF) — The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “We are now one step away from unleashing the competitiveness of America’s farmers and ranchers with our two largest trading partners thanks to today’s Senate Finance Committee vote. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will protect our valuable …
Chinese Officials to Travel to Washington to Sign Phase One Deal
(NAFB) — A Chinese delegation will travel to Washington, D.C. next week to join President Donald Trump in signing the phase one trade agreement between the two nations. The South China Morning Post reports China’s trade delegation plans to travel to the U.S. on January 13, two days before President Trump plans to sign the accord. China and the White …
New Hemp Rules in Effect
(FDACS) — On Jan. 1, food safety and animal feed rules for the new state hemp program under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) went into effect. Regulations on hemp extract used in food and dairy products and animal feed have been incorporated into existing FDACS programs, hemp food establishment permits are available, and the department’s food safety inspectors are ready to conduct inspections. “We’re proud …
NRCS Plant Guides Help Landowners With Their Planting Projects
(USDA/NRCS) — The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the PLANTS Database provides conservation plant information to conservation planners, researchers, and others using plants in their natural resource conservation projects.  The development of Plant Guides are a cooperative effort between the NRCS National Plant Data Team and the NRCS Plant Materials Program. Plant Materials Centers and specialists contributes many of the Plant Guides to …
UF Adds New Beekeeping Class and Apiculture Study Abroad Program to Course Offerings
(UF/IFAS-CALS) —After seeing beekeeping named on a Top 10 list of neat classes at the University of Florida, Carson Beattie wanted to see what the hype was all about. “That’s when I fell in love with beekeeping,” said Beattie, a geology major. “It’s exciting because you’re always on your toes. It’s a good way to destress from other things – …
USDA Invites Input on Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Rule
(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks public comments on its interim rule for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP is USDA’s premier conservation easement program, helping landowners protect working agricultural lands and wetlands. The rule – now available on the Federal Register – takes effect on publication and includes changes to the …
Georgia Peanut Farm Show Set for Thursday, Jan. 16
(GPC) — Producers can improve the bottom-line of their farming operation with knowledge, connections and information gained at the 44th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference. The event will be held at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center, Jan. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Peanut farmers and those involved in the peanut industry will …