As the lead horticulturalist for Echo Conversions Group, Inc., Kyle Petersen knows his way around plants. But he was still surprised to learn so much more about insects, weeds and fertilizer use when he participated in a class offered by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He was one of 20 participants in the program held …
Peterson Expects New Farm Bill in Lame-Duck Session
The likely incoming Chair of the House Agriculture Committee says farmers and ranchers can expect a new farm bill before the end of 2018. Collin Peterson, the current Ranking Member, said farm bill negotiators are getting “relatively close” to an agreement on a final measure that Congress could pass during the lame-duck session. Various ag industry groups fear that starting …
USDA Partners with Communities to Bring High-Speed Broadband e-Connectivity Infrastructure to Rural Areas
More than 27,000 Businesses and Residents to Get Improved e-Connectivity Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that USDA is investing in infrastructure projects in a dozen states (.pdf) to improve e-Connectivity in rural communities. “In the modern economy, rural broadband is a lifeline to quality of life and economic opportunity,” Hazlett said. “With that impact, USDA is fiercely …
UF/IFAS Extension Teaches Food Pantry Staff, Clients About Better Food
Food pantry staff and clients are learning how to get the most nutrition from the food they give and receive, thanks to faculty with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. In a program called “Feed Them Well,” Panhandle Extension faculty stress nutrition education at area food pantries. While faculty teach about healthy foods year-round, they …
Poultry Worker Safety Record Continues to Improve
Occupational injuries and illnesses in the poultry slaughter and processing workforce have fallen by 83 percent over the last 20 years, showcasing significant progress in workplace safety. According to the 2017 Injury and Illness Report released by the Department of Labor, the decline is continuing, which is a positive development for those navigating a difficult work environment in this industry. …
NMPF Urges Congress to Put Farmers First in Lame-Duck Session
Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), urged Congress to make passing a new farm bill a top priority in its lame-duck session that starts tomorrow, saying that dairy farmers harmed by low prices would benefit from the certainty and improvements likely to be part of the final law. “Given the sustained low prices dairy …
Fried Holds Narrow Lead Going Into Recount
Nikki Fried, the Democratic candidate for agriculture commissioner, led Republican Matt Caldwell by more than 3,000 votes as a recount neared in their race for the Cabinet seat, according to numbers posted on the state Division of Elections website. As of 10 a.m. Saturday, Fried had 4,025,824 votes, while Caldwell had 4,022,704. In all, 8,048,528 votes had been tallied, with …
Estimated $1.5 Billion in Agricultural Damages Due to Hurricane Michael
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that estimated agricultural damages due to Hurricane Michael total nearly $1.5 billion, with the timber industry bearing the brunt of the devastation at $1.3 billion in economic losses. “Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, and many of Florida’s rural communities, which rely heavily on agriculture, took the worst hit. As we continue …
Georgia Participates in Food Safety Inspector Exchange Program with Ireland
Georgia recently welcomed visitors from Ireland as part of a novel Inspector Exchange Program co-hosted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (AFM). “The Inspector Exchange Program with Ireland intertwines the knowledge, skills and best practices between our two agencies, sharing information with a global perspective,” said Gary W. Black, Agriculture …
Fried Tops Caldwell By Narrow Margin in Ag Commissioner Race
After trailing on election night, Democrat Nikki Fried held a slight lead Friday morning in her race with Republican Matt Caldwell to become state agriculture commissioner. With votes continuing to be counted, Fried held a 2,915-vote lead as of 7 a.m. Friday, according to the state Division of Elections website. With 8,046,381 votes tallied in the Cabinet race, Fried had …