The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) is excited to announce a product that will be a handy tool in oyster production operations across the country. The Oyster Farming app is the newest free mobile app from Alabama Extension. The app will be a tool for commercial oyster farmers to input, store and share harvest information. Creating the App Bill Walton, an …
USDA Expects Exports to Fall In 2019
The Department of Agriculture is projecting a $1.9 billion drop in exports this year, led by a decline in trade with China. While talks remain ongoing between China and the United States, USDA during its 95th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum Thursday predicted 2019 fiscal year exports at $141.5 billion. USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson told attendees China is expected to …
Gene Editing Development Stalled; NPPC Renews Call for USDA Oversight
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is urging the Department of Agriculture to assume regulatory oversight of gene editing for livestock. The call from NPPC follows the slow pace of developing a regulatory framework at the Food and Drug Administration. NPPC says the process is “stalled” at FDA, and that “USDA is best equipped to oversee gene editing for livestock …
DeSantis Makes Three Key Appointments to SFWMD in Naples
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Charlette Roman, Charlie Martinez and Cheryl Anne Meads to the Board of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) in Naples. The Governor was joined by all three appointees as well as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection Noah Valenstein. “I’m pleased to announce the appointments of Charlie Martinez, Cheryl Anne Meads …
Ag Lenders Say Farmers Depend on Off-Farm Income
The chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation says the worst threat to farmers currently is a general economic recession. It’s because so many farmers have now become dependent on off-farm income to make ends meet and stay in operation. Farm Bureau’s Chief Economist, John Newton, spoke during a panel of ag economists’ discussion at the Crop Insurance Industry …
New Science Shows Benefits of Grazing Native Warm-Season Grasses
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants producers to know about new science showing the benefits of grazing native warm-season grasses. The science shows integrating native grasses into grazing lands is a good option for producers. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of the Florida Beef CouncilNovember 21, 2025Florida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember …
Perdue to Speak at Commodity Classic
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be the keynote speaker at the 2019 Commodity Classic, held Feb. 28-March 2 in Orlando, Fla. Commodity Classic is one of the largest agriculture industry events, with close to 10 thousand attendees annually the past three years. Perdue will speak during the General Session, which is open to registered event attendees and is …
Farm Bill Implementation Listening Session Open to Producers
Register by February 22! The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a listening session for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency. Each agency will take into account stakeholder input when making discretionary decisions on …
UF/IFAS Researchers Find Aromatic Strawberry Variety Grows in South Florida
As National Strawberry Day approaches on Feb. 27, University of Florida scientists have found another variety that can grow in South Florida. It’s largely unknown to American consumers, it’s temptingly tasty and it’s good for local markets, UF researchers say. Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, led a team …
Georgia Farmer Receives National Award
During the recent National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) annual meeting, James Vaughn of Forsyth, Georgia was named the 2019 “Friend of Conservation”. This award recognizes an individual, business or agency for outstanding contributions to the conservation of our nation’s natural resources. Vaughn was nominated by the Towaliga Conservation District and the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts. Vaughn Farms is a family-owned …