(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/SEPT. 1, 2023) — Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provided an update on Hurricane Idalia response and recovery efforts. Click here for the Hurricane Idalia Survey for Certificate Holders Click here for the Hurricane Idalia Survey for Processors For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov. Florida Department of Agriculture and …
Nearly Half of Potatoes Now Go into Frozen Products
New Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) shows the majority of potatoes in the United States are now sold in processed forms such as frozen, chipped, dehydrated, or canned. With the introduction of french fries as a key side dish in quick-service restaurants, the share of potatoes that go into frozen products has risen in each decade since 1979. …
Unified Vision Driving Beef Checkoff Success
The Federation of State Beef Councils has supported an effective and coordinated state and national Checkoff partnership since 1963. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff and state beef councils, continues setting a positive course for beef. Recent program successes include Nutrition Research which serves as the foundation for all Beef Checkoff-funded initiatives. Nutrition research proves beef …
Idalia Aftermath: Cotton Growers Should Assess Damage
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and University of Georgia (UGA) Cotton Team are providing growers advice on what to do about their crop following Hurricane Idalia’s trek through the Southeast on Wednesday. While assessments are still ongoing, growers with damage should contact their insurance representatives to schedule an appointment, says Camp Hand, UGA Extension cotton agronomist. “The …
USDA FSA Available to Assist Agricultural Producers with Hurricane Idalia Recovery
Florida agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Idalia and related weather events, for assistance please call the USDA FSA Producer Hotline: 1-877-508-8364 M-F 8am-8pm or email SM.FPAC.FSA.FLFSA.Disaster@USDA.GOV – please indicate the County of loss in the Subject Line. FSA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been hard-hit by natural disaster events. FSA disaster assistance program …
USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Sign-Up for Conservation Easements Program
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced a sign-up for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2024. The ACEP is a program that has two components, known as Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). Georgia State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph said, “ACEP is a great way for landowners and eligible entities to conserve, …
Conservation Funding Opportunities Available through CSP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds producers and private landowners there are several assistance opportunities through some of their key programs. That includes the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which helps you build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation. Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, NRCS can custom design a CSP plan to …
Livestock Shelter Open in Alabama in Preparation for Hurricane Idalia
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/August 29, 2023) — In preparation for Hurricane Idalia, entry requirements have been lifted for livestock animals that are moving across state lines. The following temporary sheltering facility has agreed to provide a place for evacuees with livestock including horses and cattle to stay. Pike County Cattlemen’s Association – Cattleman Park4100 US HWY 231 STroy, AL 36081 Building Number: 334-566-0892 …
EPA Amends WOTUS Rule; NCBA Responds
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says in order to conform to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case, it and the U.S. Department of the Army are amending the 2023 definition of “Waters of the United States”(WOTUS) rule (.pdf). EPA Administrator Michael Regan says while he’s “disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision in the Sackett case, EPA and Army have an obligation to …
USDA-NRCS Closing Some Florida Offices in Advance of Hurricane Idalia
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) has announced that due to Hurricane Idalia, their offices and some USDA service centers in North Central areas have temporarily closed through at least Wednesday, August 30, 2023. USDA NRCS officials hope to resume normal operations on Thursday, August 31st, unless extenuating circumstances prevents them from doing so. The temporary office closures include: State …