To help farmers and ranchers affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) staff in county, regional and state offices have been busy with a variety of programs to assist. One program through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama, Florida and Georgia has specific ways of helping. NRCS Acting Chief Leonard Jordan …
Farm Bureau Survey: Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Down for Third Straight Year
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 33rd annual survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $48.90, or less than $5.00 per person. This is a 22-cent decrease from last year’s average of $49.12. “Since 2015, the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner has declined steadily and is …
Putnam to Raise Concerns About Revamped NAFTA
State Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will voice concerns Thursday about the potential impact on Florida’s produce industry of the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada. Putnam, who has been a critic of the original agreement known as NAFTA, is slated to appear before the U.S. International Trade Commission. When President Donald Trump’s administration …
Corn Plantings to Overtake Soybeans in 2019
An analysis of USDA data says corn will take over the top spot from soybeans in planted acres during the next growing season. The Hagstrom Report says it is a reaction to market conditions created by President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports. The data shows corn plantings will likely exceed soybeans by nine to 10 million acres between 2019 …
October Tractor Sales Mostly Flat
Sales of tractors remained mostly flat in October while combine sales declined. According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer’s October Ag Tractor and Combine Report, overall sales remained positive year-to-date. U.S. sales in October, compared to last year, of four-wheel-drive tractors were flat with a one-percent drop month-over-month. October year-to-date growth was 13.5 percent for four-wheel-drive tractors. Total U.S. sales …
FDACS Accepting Applications for Specialty Crop Grants
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is now accepting applications for $4 million in expected federal funding for the Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The deadline to submit an application to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is Jan. 11, 2019. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, …
Georgia NRCS Hurricane Assistance Signup Ends Friday
Georgia farmers and ranchers who suffered damage to working lands and livestock mortality because of Hurricane Michael are being reminded the sign-up period ends Friday, November 16. Agricultural producers are encouraged to stop by their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office to sign up for assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This assistance is available to …
First Florida NRCS Hurricane Assistance Signup Ends Friday
Florida farmers and ranchers who suffered damage to working lands and livestock mortality due to Hurricane Michael are being reminded the first sign-up period ends Friday, November 16. Agricultural producers in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla and Washington counties are eligible to apply for assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) at the USDA …
Alabama Landowners Reminded of Continuous EQIP Signup
Alabama landowners are being reminded that if you missed the October 19th deadline to sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), signup is continuous for EQIP through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air …
Cattlemen’s College Set For New Orleans in January
Event in New Orleans Jan. 29-30, 2019, will give Producers a Leg Up in Cattle Industry Staying a step ahead in the cattle industry is no small challenge. Cattlemen and women looking to find that extra step will be attending the 2019 Cattlemen’s College in New Orleans, La., Jan. 29-30. More than a thousand producers are expected to attend the …