(FDACS/Tallahassee, FL/Sept. 26, 2022) — As Hurricane Ian approaches, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is sharing important reminders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with Florida producers to prepare for and as they recover from any potential impact from the storm. Take precautions to prepare and protect your family and agricultural operation. Develop an Emergency Plan – Ensure your household and employees know your hurricane plan, including …
Florida EQIP, RCPP Application Deadlines are September 30
Florida agricultural producers and landowners have until Friday, September 30 to apply for funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications, through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida, are accepted throughout the year but farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forestland managers are urged to apply for this funding cycle. Any applications received after the deadline will be considered for …
Signup Continues for Conservation Easements in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia wants to remind landowners across the state that signup continues for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2023. To be considered for the upcoming fiscal year’s funding pool, applications must be submitted by October 7, 2022. The ACEP, created through the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, is …
GCC Reminds Producers About Cleanup Following Hurricane Ian
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) reminds producers the cleanup steps they need to implement following any damage from Hurricane Ian this week. Taylor Sills, executive director of the GCC, discussed the importance of growers being in contact with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. “Cotton is particularly vulnerable to these tropical systems that have become more …
Forestry Field Day Being Held in Mobile County Next Week
As a part of the 2022 Alabama Landowner Tours, a Treasurer Forest Tour will be held in Mobile County on October 6. Alabama State Staff Forester with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Tim Albritton, invites those interested to attend the event being held on a private landowner’s property. For those interested, please RSVP by Tuesday, September 28th by calling 251-441-6505 Ext 3. Sponsored …
AFBF Says Court ESA Ruling ‘Sends a Message’
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) says an appeals court ruling on Modernized Endangered Species Act regulations sends a message to lower courts. Modernized Endangered Species Act regulations will be reinstated after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a district court improperly vacated 2019 revisions. The appeals court determined a district court erred by reversing the regulations without …
Peanut Tour’s Return Key to Industry’s Future
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission celebrated the return of the Georgia Peanut Tour this month. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the tour returned to South Georgia and involved farmers, industry leaders and those just wanting to know more about agriculture. Joe Boddiford, chairman of the board for the Georgia Peanut Commission, discussed the importance of the …
USMEF Leadership Celebrates 45th Anniversary of Japan Office
Leaders of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) traveled to Tokyo last week to mark the 45th anniversary of the USMEF Japan office. They met with meat industry leaders, hosted a meat recipe session for Japanese cooking teachers and social media influencers, visited displays of U.S. meat in grocery stores and held an anniversary seminar for 200 of the country’s meat industry representatives. …
Producers Convey Pork Industry Priorities during NPPC Fly-in
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) held its fall Legislative Action Conference last week, as nearly 100 pork producers were in Washington, D.C., meeting with their members of Congress to discuss pork industry priorities. Over the two-day event, producers asked lawmakers to: Press the Biden administration to join the 11-nation Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership and to negotiate an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework …
NCBA Disappointed with White House Biotechnology Executive Order
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) expressed disappointment Tuesday over an Executive Order announced last week. The White House last week released the Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy. NCBA President Don Schiefelbein says, “Unfortunately, we are extremely disappointed that this Executive Order also addresses fake meat production under the …