TIFTON, GA (GPC-Oct. 8, 2019) — The Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Bankers Association will join forces Oct. 14-18, 2019 to promote the 43rd annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week. Financial institutions and local banks across the state will offer a tribute to Georgia’s 4,500 peanut farm families and the sustainability they provide to Georgia’s state and local economies. The 2019 …
2020 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Honorees Announced
Tallahassee, FL (FDACS-Oct. 8, 2019) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees for 2020. The induction ceremony will be held at the Florida State Fair’s Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet on Feb. 11, 2020. “Agriculture touches the lives of every Floridian and plays a monumental role in our economy and culture. The …
Legislature Fights Rehearing in Conservation Case
(NSF-Oct. 7, 2019) — Attorneys for the Florida House and Senate urged an appeals court Monday to reject a request for a rehearing in a battle about conservation funding. The request came after environmental groups last month asked the 1st District Court of Appeal to reconsider a decision that backed the Legislature’s handling of money that flows from a 2014 …
Algae Panel Puts Together ‘Roadmap’ for Lawmakers
TALLAHASSEE, FL (NSF-Oct. 7, 2019) — A document discussed Monday by the state’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force should be viewed, members said, as a broad roadmap for lawmakers with the 2020 legislative session less than 100 days away. And task force members, meeting in Gainesville to further edit the document, said they will look in future meetings beyond Lake Okeechobee …
President Trump Signs U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement; Ag Groups Respond
American Farm Bureau Federation Farmers and Ranchers Celebrate Japanese Trade Deal, Look Forward to More (AFBF-Oct. 7, 2019) — President Trump signed the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, which is an important step forward with U.S. agriculture’s fourth-largest export market. The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Today’s signing marks the successful end to more than a …
USDA Opens 2020 Enrollment for Dairy Margin Coverage Program
Enrollment Ends Dec. 13, 2019 WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Oct. 7, 2019) — Dairy producers can now enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) for calendar year 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened signup for the program that helps producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and feed cost disparities. “We know it’s tough out there for American farmers, including …
Managing Weeds Crucial During Droughts
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL (ACES-Oct. 7, 2019) — Recent drought conditions have made herd care difficult for Alabama livestock producers. As conditions worsen and desirable vegetation declines, established weeds are often the last plants standing. During this time, livestock may be tempted to eat these weeds. This can be problematic because certain species have the potential to cause health problems. It …
USDA Announces Support for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will issue $16.2 million in grants (PDF) to provide training, outreach, and technical assistance to underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers. This funding is available through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the …
Florida NRCS Holding RCPP Workshop This Week
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continues their launch of the updated Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Potential partners are encouraged to submit proposals that will improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. And Florida NRCS will conduct two RCPP Workshops, with the first workshop being held this week. It will take place Wednesday, …
Registration Opens for Massive 2020 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show
Cattle Industry Members Invited to “Deep in the Heart” Event in San Antonio Feb. 5-7 DENVER (NCBA-Oct. 4, 2019) — Registration and housing for the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade show is now open. The annual convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 5-7, 2020, and it’s recommended attendees register early, as convenient housing will fill …