Planting season is just around the corner for Georgia cotton producers. The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia (UGA) Extension Cotton Team remind growers about the importance of using this time to ensure their planters are properly configured. It is especially important for growers who produce multiple row crops, says Camp Hand, University of Georgia Extension cotton agronomist. “Another …
GPC Celebrating National Peanut Month
The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is using March, also known as National Peanut Month, as another way to celebrate and promote Georgia peanuts. Joy Crosby, assistant executive director of the GPC, highlighted some of the ways her organization has promoted one of the state’s top row crops. “We celebrated National Peanut Month by kicking off our annual PB&J Day at …
Researchers: Blue-Green Algae Can Protect Honey Bees
A new way to protect important pollinators. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Scientists at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) developed an edible antiviral treatment that can be used to protect honey bees against Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and other viruses. Honeybees are important agricultural pollinators. However, viruses, including DWV, are linked to the deaths of millions of …
Risk Management Tool for Specialty Crop Producers
The RMA is making it easier for specialty crop growers to find crop insurance agents. The Risk Management Agency says finding the right risk management tools for specialty crops and smaller-scale farmers can be daunting. RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger says the agency has developed a new searchable directory to make it easier for those producers to find the right agents. …
International Complications for U.S. Exports
Agricultural exports a heading down from a post-pandemic peak as experts deal with international complications that can stunt export growth or, sometimes, stop exports altogether. According to USDA, the value of U.S. agricultural exports peaked in fiscal year 2022 but declined in 2023. In 2023, the total export value was $178.7 billion, which was $17 billion less than in 2022. …
Signup Deadline Nearing for Alabama’s ACEP-ALE Easement Program
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) reminds eligible entities that the Fiscal Year 2024 Farm Bill Easement and Financial Assistance Programs signup deadline is March 31, 2024 for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE). Eligible entities may submit proposals to NRCS to acquire a conservation easement on eligible agricultural land. NRCS does not accept applications for ACEP-ALE …
Florida Landowners Encouraged to Apply for RCPP
Florida landowners interested in aligning their land uses with conservation values and practices have an opportunity to apply for Entity Held Conservation Easementsopportunities in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS) and Tall Timbers Research, Inc. through April 5, 2024. Landowners who applied for the recent Florida Department of Consumer Services Rural and Family Lands Protection Program cycle are encouraged to apply for …
USDA-NRCS Seeks Proposals from Conservation Minded Partners in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) is requesting proposals to assist with implementing some key priorities. The objective of this Notice of Funding is to obtain Technical Services and Projects to enhance Conservation Technical Assistance and Farm Bill Program Delivery across Georgia. But, proposals for this funding are due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on March 23, 2024. Conservation minded …
Alabama Launches Texas Hay Relief Effort
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/March 19, 2024) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) is leading an effort to provide hay for Texas cattle producers who have suffered catastrophic losses due to the recent wildfires in the Texas panhandle. ADAI is partnering with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) and the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) to help our fellow cattlemen in Texas who …
USDA-NRCS Investing in Climate-Smart Easements
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced an investment of about $138 million in Climate-Smart Easements through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The funding, from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, is the largest climate investment in history. The selected ACEP projects are part of a broad investment in climate-smart agriculture and forestry. Carrie Lindig, NRCS Easement Program Division Director, explains how the Southeast can be an …