USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced the launch of the updated Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). And Florida NRCS will conduct one more RCPP Workshop. It will be held Wednesday, October 23 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center Auditorium in Sebring. The workshop will cover program requirements, the application process, and project evaluations. Potential …
Incentivizing Conservation for Ag Landowners
Natural resource conservation advocates believe continued promotion of conservation practices in agriculture can be fostered through incentives to landowners. Here is USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting Associate Chief Kevin Norton. Norton explains the long-term investment needed in farm conservation efforts, particularly in seeing both environmental and economic benefits. For more information about programs to help with conservation practices …
China Confirms Phase One Agreement Ag Purchases
(NAFB) — Chinese officials confirmed this week they are working on finalizing a “phase one” agreement with President Donald Trump that includes significant purchases of U.S. ag products. An official from China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed the purchases to reporters, but did not provide details on how much U.S. ag products China will buy. The spokesperson says, “China will increase U.S. …
Growers Should Manage Tomato Bacterial Spot While Seedlings are in Transplant Facilities
BALM, FL (UF/IFAS-oct. 17, 2019) — New findings from University of Florida scientists could help tomato growers nationwide in their battle against a damaging disease. With 37,000 acres, Florida’s tomato industry is a $520 million-a-year crop, so it’s critical to find sources of diseases so growers can avoid or treat them to sustain their yields. But a bacterium called Xanthomonas …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Statement to Congress on Aquaculture
Tallahassee, FL (FDACS-Oct. 16, 2019) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried submitted testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, in advance of the committee’s hearing on sustainable offshore aquaculture. In Florida, aquaculture is a $77 million industry, with over 700 aquaculture leases covering 2,700 submerged acres; the industry produces over 1,500 varieties of fish, plants, crustaceans, mollusks, corals, reptiles, and …
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Legislation to Expedite Water Quality Improvements
Jupiter, FL (EOG-Oct. 16, 2019) — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced proposed legislation for the 2020 legislative session that will expedite water quality improvements throughout Florida. The legislation incorporates recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force, which the governor created shortly after taking office to aid the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in protecting, conserving and managing the state’s natural resources. …
USDA Invests in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in 31 States
Investments will Benefit Nearly 300,000 Rural Residents WASHINGTON (USDA-Oct. 16, 2019) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy announced that USDA is investing $201 million to improve rural water infrastructure in 31 states (PDF). “Modern, reliable and accessible infrastructure is critical to economic development and quality of life,” LaVoy said. “Under the leadership of President …
Study Shows Pig Farmers Improving Their Environmental Footprint
(NAFB) — A new environmental study shows that pig farms are generating less manure nutrient content associated with odor. Data gathered from more than 106,000 samples at 182 North Carolina farms shows significant reductions in ammonia levels and manure nutrient content. The improvements are attributed to gains in feed efficiency, which means it takes less feed to raise a pig. …
Results of the 2019 Southeastern Hay Contest
(Sunbelt Ag Expo-October 15, 2019) — The 2019 Southeastern Hay Contest (SEHC) presented by Massey Ferguson celebrates its 15th edition with a record of 380 entries vying for the top spot. Since 2004, the SEHC, a partnership between Auburn University, Clemson University, The University of Florida and The University of Georgia has been a key tool for promoting hay quality …
2020 Enrollment for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs Open
Safety Net Program Payments for 2018 Have Started WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Oct. 15, 2019) — Agricultural producers now can enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs – two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety net programs – for the 2020 crop year. Meanwhile, producers who enrolled farms for the 2018 crop year have started receiving more than …