(NAFB) — A Chinese delegation will travel to Washington, D.C. next week to join President Donald Trump in signing the phase one trade agreement between the two nations. The South China Morning Post reports China’s trade delegation plans to travel to the U.S. on January 13, two days before President Trump plans to sign the accord. China and the White …
New Hemp Rules in Effect
(FDACS) — On Jan. 1, food safety and animal feed rules for the new state hemp program under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) went into effect. Regulations on hemp extract used in food and dairy products and animal feed have been incorporated into existing FDACS programs, hemp food establishment permits are available, and the department’s food safety inspectors are ready to conduct inspections. “We’re proud …
NRCS Plant Guides Help Landowners With Their Planting Projects
(USDA/NRCS) — The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the PLANTS Database provides conservation plant information to conservation planners, researchers, and others using plants in their natural resource conservation projects.  The development of Plant Guides are a cooperative effort between the NRCS National Plant Data Team and the NRCS Plant Materials Program. Plant Materials Centers and specialists contributes many of the Plant Guides to …
UF Adds New Beekeeping Class and Apiculture Study Abroad Program to Course Offerings
(UF/IFAS-CALS) —After seeing beekeeping named on a Top 10 list of neat classes at the University of Florida, Carson Beattie wanted to see what the hype was all about. “That’s when I fell in love with beekeeping,” said Beattie, a geology major. “It’s exciting because you’re always on your toes. It’s a good way to destress from other things – …
USDA Invites Input on Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Rule
(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks public comments on its interim rule for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP is USDA’s premier conservation easement program, helping landowners protect working agricultural lands and wetlands. The rule – now available on the Federal Register – takes effect on publication and includes changes to the …
Georgia Peanut Farm Show Set for Thursday, Jan. 16
(GPC) — Producers can improve the bottom-line of their farming operation with knowledge, connections and information gained at the 44th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference. The event will be held at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center, Jan. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Peanut farmers and those involved in the peanut industry will …
Senate to Continue Ordinary Business
(NAFB) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell signaled an opportunity to quickly consider the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In a speech on the Senate floor Friday, McConnell says the Senate will “go about ordinary business,” because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is holding the articles of impeachment, thought to delay USMCA consideration in the Senate this month. A hearing is on the …
AFIA: December Spending Bills Improve Feed Ingredient Approval Process
(NAFB) — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) says spending bills passed last month will improve the approval process for animal feed ingredients. The 2020 fiscal year appropriations package allocates new dollars to the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to hire additional staff specifically for reviewing new animal food ingredient submissions. The $5 million allocation from appropriators …
Possible Early Senate Push to Pass USMCA
(NAFB) — An American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) official says there could be an early push to win Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of an impeachment trial. AFBF senior congressional relations director Dave Salmonsen says early Senate USMCA action is possible, given house speaker Nancy Pelosi’s holding back impeachment articles against the president. “If the impeachment trial …
USDA Taking Public Comments on EQIP Interim Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners they are still taking public comments on the interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS Chief, Matt Lohr, discusses some of the changes proposed in the interim final rule for EQIP reauthorized under the 2018 Farm Bill. (audio) USDA’s flagship program helps producers plan and …