(UF/IFAS) — The UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project Workshop scheduled for Sept 4 in Quincy, FL is postponed on account of Hurricane Dorian. We have not yet determined a future status of the workshop and will follow-up as soon as we can. You can view the recording of the workshop held in Gainesville in these two video links (Video 1 / Video …
NCC to EPA: Slash Proposed 2020 Ethanol Volumes, Implement ‘Off-Ramp’ Waiver
Chicken producers incur $68 billion in higher feed costs since 2007 RFS Washington, D.C. (NCC) – Given the current uncertainty regarding the 2019/2020 crop year corn supply, NCC in comments submitted today to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said the proposed volume for 2020, coupled with the recent waiver that will increase the use of E15, is overly aggressive, overly …
CBO: Trade War to Slow Economic Growth
(NAFB) — The bipartisan Congressional Budget Office says the trade war will slow economic growth, adding more fears of a possible recession.The CBO says tariffs, which reduce U.S. gross domestic product through higher prices, reduces consumer purchasing power. The report predicts the economy will grow at 1.8 percent per year over the next decade, below historical average growth rates. Agriculture …
USDA Encourages Ag Producers, Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Dorian
WASHINGTON (USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Dorian that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help. In a continuing effort to serve the public, USDA partnered with …
USDA Plans Foreign Animal Disease Exercise in September
(NAFB) — The Department of Agriculture and the pork industry will hold a foreign animal disease exercise next month. The industry is working on a “full function” exercise that will be conducted the week of September 23. The effort will focus on a fictional outbreak of African swine fever and the subsequent response by federal and state authorities, along with …
RFA: EPA Rejected White House Recommendation on Waivers
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) claims White House documents show the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ignored Trump Administration recommendations on small refinery waivers. Documents obtained by the association apparently show the EPA ignored strong recommendations from within the Trump Administration to redistribute Renewable Fuel Standard blending obligations lost to small refinery exemptions in the proposed rule for 2020 volumes. According …
Conagra Teams with HSUS on Chicken Welfare Standards
(NAFB) — Conagra Brands recently announced steps it will implement when it comes to company treatment of broiler chickens in its supply chain sourcing practices. The company worked with the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) on the new goals, which add higher standards to the company’s existing broiler policy. Conagra says it will work with suppliers, peers, and external …
US Sugar Prepares Crops and Property for Hurricane Dorian
(U.S. Sugar) — We have begun making storm preparations. While there is not a great deal Glades farmers can do to prepare our farms or crops for a hurricane, we have started lowering canal levels, securing buildings/equipment and keeping an eagle eye on weather reports. Our sugarcane is in its “grand growth” period, and we have cane in all stages …
All Florida Livestock Markets Closed Sept 2-6
Hurricane Dorian Information for the Cattle Industry IMPORTANT NOTICE (FDACS) — ALL livestock markets in Florida will be closed ALL next week (Sept 2-6) due to holiday and forthcoming hurricane. Effective Immediately The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry, has temporarily suspended the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals from the areas expected …
Millions in Agricultural Crops at Risk as Dorian Approaches Florida
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — If Hurricane Dorian makes landfall mid-way up Florida’s Atlantic Coast – as many models predicted Thursday afternoon – the storm could devastate not only Central Florida tourist destinations, but also the region’s agricultural areas, which include significant acreage devoted to citrus, vegetable, ornamental plant and cattle production. Economists and Extension faculty with the University of Florida …