The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Florida have partnered to purchase a conservation easement at G Road Grove, an active citrus grove and tree nursery in Florida panther habitat. This expands the protected area within the Florida Panther Dispersal Zone. It’s a 30,000-acre corridor in Hendry and Glades counties that helps connect the panthers’ current …
One Million Followers for Fresh From Florida
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced their Fresh From Florida program has hit the 1 million mark of consumers who follow Fresh From Florida on social media, signed up for the Fresh From Florida newsletter, and joined the Fresh From Florida Club. Since January 2023, online followers have grown from just over 500,000 to over 1 million, a 90% increase …
Slight Rise in 4-Wheel-Drive Tractor Sales in May
While total agriculture tractor sales in the U.S. dropped 11.5% in May compared to a year ago, sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors saw an increase of 9.4%. According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the increase follows a rise of 24% back in April compared to the year before, and the data also indicates year-to-date sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors are up 3.2%. …
Developing Healthier Animals Through Gene Editing
The Red Angus Association is working to utilize more gene-editing applications to promote herd health. Innovation in gene editing is revolutionizing the beef industry for tomorrow. Tom Brink, CEO of the Red Angus Association, shares how Red Angus is shaping the future.
China Bans Meat Exports from U.S. West Coast Facility
China has banned meat exports from a West Coast cold storage facility near the Port of Oakland after traces of the feed additive ractopamine were found in beef shipments. The Food Safety and Inspection Service said that Chinese customs workers detected the feed additive that’s banned by more than 150 countries. Agriculture Dive says the move is creating significant obstacles …
Simpson Applauds Funding for Critical Investments in Florida Agriculture
On Wednesday, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for the 2024-2025 state budget. “I applaud Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for making critical investments in the 2024-2025 state budget to safeguard and advance Florida agriculture, preserve our working lands and natural resources, and enhance our consumer protection efforts,” said Commissioner …
USDA Providing Funds for Conservation and Climate-Smart Ag Solutions
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be investing in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions. The NRCS is accepting project proposals until July 2, 2024 through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). It is designed to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis. The $1.5 billion investment is being made …
Protection of 1,800-Acre Florida Cattle Ranch Approved
After approval by the Governor and Cabinet, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced the protection of a 1,800-acre cattle ranch and farm in Okeechobee County. Through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, Clemons Oak Creek, a 1,800-acre working cattle ranch and farm, will be preserved through a cost-effective rural land protection easement totaling $6,475,000. Rural land protection easements …
Registration Still Open for GCC Mid-Year Meeting
Registration remains open for the Georgia Cotton Commission’s (GCC) mid-year meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 24 at the Nesmith-Lane Conference Center in Statesboro, Georgia. Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission, outlined this year’s second annual meeting, which will highlight timely topics impacting the state’s cotton producers. “July 24, we’re going to have our second annual Georgia Cotton …
Cattle Industry Condemns Latest Government Proposal
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) condemned a recently announced U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored research grant that will fund the development of lab-grown meat products by a biotechnology manufacturing company called BioMADE. NCBA says it’s outraged that the Department of Defense is spending millions of taxpayer dollars to feed America’s heroes like lab rats. “U.S. cattle producers raise the highest …