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 …
UF/IFAS Researchers Help Industry Keep Central Florida Green
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 …