(UF/IFAS) — No one could have predicted the kind of year 2020 has been. But in late 2019, when UF/IFAS experts were asked to predict the top food and garden trends for the coming year, they made some startlingly accurate predictions. Today, these trends are no longer forecasts but facts of life in a year characterized by a global pandemic …
U.S. Poultry Industry Provides 2.1 Million Jobs
Economic Impact Up 15 Percent in Two Years Updated study quantifies the economic impact of the poultry industry in the United States NCC — The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and United Egg Producers have released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, …
New UF/IFAS App to Identify Toxic Plants
(UF/IFAS) — Some livestock, pets and even children occasionally nibble on poisonous plants, presenting a potential pitfall to the animals and youth. Now, a new, free app designed by UF/IFAS researchers and Extension faculty helps you identify toxic plants. Not only is this the first app to identify strictly Florida plants, it’s also the first to distinguish between toxic weeds. …
NCBA Congratulates Rep. David Scott On His Nomination To Chair The House Agriculture Committee
(NCBA) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued the following statement in response to U.S. Representative David Scott (GA-13) being nominated by the Democratic Steering Committee to become the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee: “Congressman Scott is a devoted friend of America’s cattle producers and I congratulate him on being selected by his colleagues to lead the …
Florida NRCS Severe Erosion Signup Ends Dec 4
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is providing Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) funds to help agricultural producers address severe erosion and irrigation retrofit. But, applications for financial assistance are due Friday, December 4. Producers in these counties are eligible to apply: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Gulf, Calhoun, and Bay counties. Florida State Conservationist, Juan Hernandez, …
USDA Updates National Conservation Handbook
We told you a couple of days ago U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) had completed and published updates to its set of National Conservation Practice Standards. The national handbook is reviewed every five years and contains some 170 standards for states to use. Kevin Norton, NRCS Acting Chief explains. Norton says USDA will continue to review its conservation practices …
EQIP Signup for Alabama Farmers Affected by Heavy Rains Ends Friday
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind farmers that were affected by recent heavy rainfall, sign up for Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) funds ends Friday, December 4, 2020. Alabama counties recently experienced extensive damage due to extreme wind speeds and high rainfall amounts which caused excessive soil erosion and damage …
Deadline Approaching for Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by COVID-19
FSA Staff Standing by to Help (USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) by Dec. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers facing market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. “With over 300 eligible commodities, from livestock …
APHIS Reopens Comment Period on Request to Produce FMD Vaccine
(USDA/APHIS) — In July 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) sought public comment on a petition from a vaccine manufacturer seeking approval to produce foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine consisting of a modified non-infectious and non-transmissible strain of the virus on the U.S. mainland. Today (12/1/2020), APHIS is reopening the comment period for …
APHIS Announces Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health
(USDA/APHIS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is awarding $14.4 million to 76 projects with states, universities, and other partners to strengthen our programs to protect animal health. This critical funding supports projects focused on increasing practical livestock biosecurity measures or advancing rapid depopulation and disposal abilities to be used during high- …