(NAFB) — September was a fairly solid month overall for retail sales of tractors and combines in the United States and Canada, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Total farm tractor sales in the U.S. increased 18.7 percent in September compared to last year, while combine sales increased 12.3 percent. Year to date, total U.S. …
Farm Equipment Leasing Doubles
(NAFB) — A new report shows the leasing of farm equipment has nearly doubled since 2012. The Wall Street Journal reports Deere & Co. is spending billions of dollars each year on its own equipment for leasing programs. Records show that more than one-third of financed purchases of high horsepower machinery made by John Deere is being leased to farmers …
New Fertilizer Technology May Help Farmers Reduce Nitrogen Load
LIVE OAK, FL (UF/IFAS-Oct. 21, 2019) — In the Suwannee Valley, farmers are diligently searching for solutions, or Best Management Practices (BMPs), to efficiently use fertilizers in crop production. At the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley (UF/IFAS NFREC-SV), a team led by Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Extension regional specialized agent for vegetable crops and assistant center …
China Confirms Phase One Agreement Ag Purchases
(NAFB) — Chinese officials confirmed this week they are working on finalizing a “phase one” agreement with President Donald Trump that includes significant purchases of U.S. ag products. An official from China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed the purchases to reporters, but did not provide details on how much U.S. ag products China will buy. The spokesperson says, “China will increase U.S. …
Growers Should Manage Tomato Bacterial Spot While Seedlings are in Transplant Facilities
BALM, FL (UF/IFAS-oct. 17, 2019) — New findings from University of Florida scientists could help tomato growers nationwide in their battle against a damaging disease. With 37,000 acres, Florida’s tomato industry is a $520 million-a-year crop, so it’s critical to find sources of diseases so growers can avoid or treat them to sustain their yields. But a bacterium called Xanthomonas …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Statement to Congress on Aquaculture
Tallahassee, FL (FDACS-Oct. 16, 2019) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried submitted testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, in advance of the committee’s hearing on sustainable offshore aquaculture. In Florida, aquaculture is a $77 million industry, with over 700 aquaculture leases covering 2,700 submerged acres; the industry produces over 1,500 varieties of fish, plants, crustaceans, mollusks, corals, reptiles, and …
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Legislation to Expedite Water Quality Improvements
Jupiter, FL (EOG-Oct. 16, 2019) — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced proposed legislation for the 2020 legislative session that will expedite water quality improvements throughout Florida. The legislation incorporates recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force, which the governor created shortly after taking office to aid the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in protecting, conserving and managing the state’s natural resources. …
USDA Invests in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in 31 States
Investments will Benefit Nearly 300,000 Rural Residents WASHINGTON (USDA-Oct. 16, 2019) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy announced that USDA is investing $201 million to improve rural water infrastructure in 31 states (PDF). “Modern, reliable and accessible infrastructure is critical to economic development and quality of life,” LaVoy said. “Under the leadership of President …
Study Shows Pig Farmers Improving Their Environmental Footprint
(NAFB) — A new environmental study shows that pig farms are generating less manure nutrient content associated with odor. Data gathered from more than 106,000 samples at 182 North Carolina farms shows significant reductions in ammonia levels and manure nutrient content. The improvements are attributed to gains in feed efficiency, which means it takes less feed to raise a pig. …
Results of the 2019 Southeastern Hay Contest
(Sunbelt Ag Expo-October 15, 2019) — The 2019 Southeastern Hay Contest (SEHC) presented by Massey Ferguson celebrates its 15th edition with a record of 380 entries vying for the top spot. Since 2004, the SEHC, a partnership between Auburn University, Clemson University, The University of Florida and The University of Georgia has been a key tool for promoting hay quality …