Florida citrus production and crop value is up from a year ago, when the industry was trying to recover after being hit hard by Hurricane Irma. But the industry continues to bleed acreage in the state, according to numbers released Aug. 28 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The federal agency’s commercial citrus inventory recorded 430,601 acres spread across …
U.S. Sugar Addresses Recently Amended Lawsuit Attacking Farming Communities
(U.S. Sugar) — “The amended complaint filed earlier by out of town trial lawyers is currently under review.” It appears attacks on our farming communities have widened to include the Glades and Hendry county communities of Moore Haven and Clewiston, where we have played a proud and prominent role since our founding in 1931. Our senior management, including our CEO …
Researchers Assemble Genomic “Jigsaw” of Cow Gut Microbes
MADISON, WISCONSIN (ARS)—Using high-tech tools, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their cooperators have taken a deep dive into the microbial “soup” of the cow’s rumen, the first of four stomach chambers where tough plant fibers are turned into nutrients and energy. Ultimately, such efforts could lead to new ways of ensuring the health and wellbeing of cows as well …
Tips for Preparing Your Farm for a Hurricane
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — Every farm and ranch in Florida must have an emergency plan in case of a hurricane, said a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension director. “The main thing is that farmers need to be prepared to be self-sufficient for a more than a week if a storm hits,” said Doug Mayo, center …
Hemp Production and Processing Rules Expected in September
(NAFB) — The USDA is expected to issue new rules for growing and testing hemp sometime next month. Capital Press reports that has farmers feeling anxious about establishing consistent standards for producing the booming crop. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon tells the Capital Press that he expects the USDA to issue those regulations sometimes within the next two to four …
Alabama Catfish Producers Partner With School Culinary Programs
(ALFA) — Young chefs across Alabama soon will create catfish culinary delights through a partnership of Alabama catfish farmers and state school officials. Through the inaugural Catfish Culinary Challenge, Alabama Catfish Producers will donate 600 pounds of U.S. Farm-Raised catfish to 40 Alabama high schools. Student chefs and food service worker students from those schools are part of Alabama’s Family …
Crop Insurance Deadline Nears in Florida
Oats, Potato, Sugarcane, and Wheat Growers Need to Make Insurance Decisions Soon Tallahassee, FL (FDACS) – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (USDA RMA) reminds Florida oats, potato, sugarcane, and wheat growers that September 30 is the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2020 …
UF Hosts Meeting of Blue-Green Algae Task Force
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — The University of Florida will host the next meeting of Florida’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force on August 30 at 9 a.m. at the UF Levin College of Law. The meeting is open to the public and will be streamed live on the Florida Channel. Two UF/IFAS researchers are members of the six-person task force. Tom Frazer, …
Hemp Crop Insurance Coverage Available for 2020
(NAFB) — Certain industrial hemp growers will be able to obtain insurance coverage under the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection program for crop year 2020. The Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency Tuesday announced coverage for hemp grown for fiber, flower or seeds. The coverage will be available to producers who are in areas covered by USDA-approved hemp plans or who are …
Work Starts on Toll Road Plans
TALLAHASSEE (NSF) — Task forces that will study and make recommendations about three major toll-road proposals will be committed to protecting farmland and natural springs in the western side of the state, members were told Tuesday as they formally kicked off the work. Still, critics who fought the projects during this year’s legislative session because of concerns about sprawl and …