BALM, Fla. (UF/IFAS) — If you savor the sights of caladium, gerbera and other ornamental plants, you can thank Zhanao Deng for developing better varieties. In his three-decade career, Deng beams with pride over new types of caladium and gerbera he’s bred that are more resistant to diseases. He’s also happy with his lantana varieties, which are genetically sterilized and …
Perilla Mint: Continue to Scout Through the Fall
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES) – In some areas of the state, the hot, dry weather may have limited the availability of some forages. These conditions often tempt livestock to consume anything that is green. Some poisonous plants have become masters at surviving these conditions. Perilla mint is one of the most dangerous. Characteristics An escaped ornamental, the leaves of perilla …
Farmers Prevented From Planting Crops on More Than 19 Million Acres
Agricultural producers reported they were not able to plant crops on more than 19.4 million acres in 2019, according to a new report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This marks the most prevented plant acres reported since USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) began releasing the report in 2007 and 17.49 million acres more than reported at this time …
Plan to Use Farm Bill Funding to Support Animal Disease Prevention and Management
(USDA/APHIS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing initial plans to carry out new animal health activities using resources provided by the 2018 Farm Bill. Section 12101 of the 2018 Farm Bill established a three-part program to comprehensively support animal disease prevention and management. The bill included funding to create two …
Beef Short Course Targets New Producers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES) — New cattle producers will want to attend the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s new Beef Systems Short Course. The short course is a multi-night lecture series covering the fundamentals of beef production. It is geared toward new and limited experience producers. Kim Mullenix, an Alabama Extension beef specialist, says producers have the option to take the …
Commodity Commission Appointments Announced
ATLANTA (GDA) – Recently, the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commissions ex officio committee confirmed appointments to several commodity commissions. The following appointments were made to serve three-year terms: Beef Commission John Callaway, Coweta County Ernie Ford, Calhoun County Allen Wiggins, Turner County Cotton Commission Steven Meeks, Wayne County Matt Coley, Dooly County Equine Commission Beth Williams, Oconee County Dr. Barbara Kelly, …
Peterson: Farmers Don’t Want to Get Their Revenue from the Government
(NAFB) — Its clear farmers are frustrated with the many forces beyond their control, following a listening session in Minnesota. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue didn’t receive a warm welcome during Minnesota’s Farmfest this week. Hosted by House Ag Committee Chair and Minnesota Democrat Collin Peterson, Perdue got an earful from farmers questioning farm bill programs and trade. Peterson says one …
USDA Invests in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in 24 States
Investments will Benefit 133,000 Residents in Rural Communities WASHINGTON, (USDA) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe announced that USDA is investing $135 million in 49 projects to improve rural water infrastructure in 24 states (PDF, 170 KB). “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to partner with rural communities to …
Deadline for Feral Swine Eradication Signup Nearing
Here is a quick reminder there are only a few days left until the deadline to sign up for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. The program, implemented jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS), will consist of three coordinated components: feral swine removal …
Strong Finish to First Half for U.S. Pork, Beef Exports
(NAFB) — U.S. pork and beef exports were above year-ago levels in both volume and value in June, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Led by a rebound in Mexico and China, pork export value was the highest in 14 months. June pork exports posted double-digit gains in both volume and value, reaching 212,800 metric tons, valued at $569.2 …