A new study from the University of Arkansas confirms that America’s pig farmers are producing a product that has become increasingly sustainable over the past five decades. According to the new study, A Retrospective Assessment of U.S. Pork Production: 1960 to 2015, the inputs needed to produce a pound of pork in the United States became more environmentally friendly over …
Milk Production Dependent on Annual, biological Rhythms
The amount and composition of milk produced by dairy cows appears to be more regulated by internal, annual biological rhythms than by environmental factors. A new study released by Penn State University found peak yield, fat concentration and protein concentration occurred in winter months, when days are shorter, and lowest in summer months, when days are longest. And the amplitude …
Governor Ron DeSantis Calls for Resignations of Governing Board Members of South Florida Water Management District
Governor Ron DeSantis called for the immediate resignations of all governing board members of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). The announcement was made during a stop in Stuart to discuss the Governor’s major water policy reforms to protect and improve Florida’s water resources. “One of the recommendations that Congressman Mast has provided to me was that we really …
DeSantis Offers ‘Bold’ Plan to Address Water Woes
Gov. Ron DeSantis, appearing in areas hit hard by outbreaks of toxic algae and red tide, signed an executive order Thursday expanding state efforts to improve Florida’s troubled waters. And while he took shots from environmentalists on the campaign trail last year when arguing that climate change is not a problem for state government to alleviate, DeSantis said Thursday his …
New “Ask NRCS” Brochure for Organic Farmers
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida wants organic producers to know there is a new booklet that was developed to assist in communicating about NRCS programs organic production. The new “Ask NRCS” brochure covers a variety of natural resource concerns and conservation practices including soils, water, air, plants, animals and energy. Conservation technical assistance through NRCS helps farmers and ranchers address …
Farm Bureau Welcomes President Trump Back to Address Annual Convention
Donald J. Trump, the 45th president of the United States, will address farm and ranch families from across the nation Monday at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th Annual Convention. This address will mark the second time in as many years that the president has appeared at Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention. This year’s gathering takes place Jan. 11-16 in New …
Corn Producers See Value through Red Meat Exports
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently received the results of an updated study aimed at quantifying the value delivered to U.S. corn producers through exports of red meat. Joe Schuele reports the original 2016 study, as well as the 2018 follow-up, were conducted by World Perspectives, Inc., a leading agricultural consulting firm. Dave Juday, senior analyst for World Perspectives, explains that …
Alabama NRCS Announces 2019 Small Farmer of the Year
Trylon Williams of Safford, Alabama has been named the Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 2019 Small Farmer of the Year. Williams was recognized at the 76th Annual Alabama Association of Conservation Districts (AACD) Conference in Auburn, Alabama on November 12, 2018 by Alabama NRCS State Conservationist Ben Malone. An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Williams owns and …
Shutdown Delays WOTUS Comment Period
The government shutdown is delaying a comment period for the Trump administration’s new Waters of the U.S. proposal. The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers will delay publishing the proposed WOTUS replacement in the Federal Register until after funding is restored at EPA, according to Politico. The 60-day comment period won’t begin until the proposed rule is published …
Senators Back Rooting Out Vegetable Garden Regulations
Despite concerns from the Florida League of Cities, a Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill that would largely prevent local governments from regulating homeowners’ vegetable gardens. The Senate Community Affairs Committee unanimously backed the measure (SB 82), which Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, has filed for the legislative session that starts March 5. The Senate passed a similar bill during …