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 …
DeSantis, Cabinet Look at Land Buys
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet next week will be asked to spend $2.54 million in the Florida Forever conservation program to buy land in Lake and Hamilton counties. The proposals, which the Cabinet will take up Feb. 26, would lead to paying $540,000 to acquire 83.4 acres in Lake County and paying $2 million for 316 acres in …
U.S., China to Continue Trade Talks This Week
The U.S. and China will continue talks this week that will hopefully lead to an end to the trade war between the two economic superpowers. A Reuters article says sources from both sides feel the recent negotiations kept things moving forward. The Trump Administration still seems committed to the March 1 deadline to reach a deal or raise tariffs on …
Senate Reauthorizes Pesticide Registration Improvement Act
The Senate Ag Committee and its leadership, including Chair Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, announced that the Senate passed the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act. In the announcement, the Senators said, “The unanimous Senate passage of the bipartisan PRIA legislation provides certainty to farmers, consumers, and many other stakeholders. We’re urging our colleagues in the House to pass the …
USDA Updates Wetland Determination Guidance
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners across the state that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is improving the process by which it makes wetland determinations. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle …
UF/IFAS Center to Take Integrated Approach to Solving Water, Land Use Issues
By taking a more holistic approach to challenging issues facing Florida, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers will share more and better information about water and land use, including farming and urban landscapes, with the establishment of a new center. Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, said the center will galvanize …
Georgia Water Management Workshops
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia invites producers across the state to take part in the upcoming statewide Water Management Workshop Series. University of Georgia (UGA) and Fort Valley State University (FVSU) extension programs have partnered with NRCS to host these workshops. While they are geared towards smaller acreage and new/beginning farmers, they are open to all who wish to attend and learn. The …