Pass the guacamole: July 31 is National Avocado Day, a good time to celebrate the traits of another delicious, nutrient-packed food and Florida crop, say University of Florida experts. While some people simply love the taste of guacamole, others also value the healthy traits of the fruit with which it’s made, the avocado. “Most notably, they are a good source …
Trade Aid for Farmers Could Start in Late September
The aid package announced to offset harm by the Trump administration’s trade policy for agriculture could be ready to go by October, according to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. While in Argentina as part of the G20 meeting of agriculture ministers, Perdue told Reuters the aid package could have payments reaching farmers by late September. The plan would include between $7 …
U.S. Chamber: Trade Aid for All Could Cost $39 Billion
Providing aid to industries impacted by negative trade policy could cost the nation $39 billion, according to new data by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Farmers are expected to receive a $12 billion aid package to lessen the burden of trade disputes by the Trump administration. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce calls farmers and ranchers the “hardest hit” by Trump’s …
NAFTA Renegotiation Showing Signs of Progress
The U.S. and Mexico are nearing an agreement on the trade of automobiles as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiation effort. Politico reports the U.S. and Mexico are in the “final stages” of reaching a deal on the automotive rules of origin section of NAFTA, key to completing the renegotiation. A team of negotiators is in …
Letter Urges Trump to Rejoin TPP
A letter from the Freedom Partners is urging the President to rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership, now known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Freedom Partners started in 2011 to promote the benefits of free markets and a free society. The group launched an advertising campaign this week against President Trump’s trade policy and ongoing trade war with …
NCGA Seeking Good Steward Nominations
The National Corn Growers Association “Good Steward” nomination deadline is fast approaching, Monday, August 6th. NCGA is asking for nominations of someone who is “doing a stellar job on their farm of demonstrating the economic and conservation value of soil management.” This year anyone can nominate a candidate for recognition if they are a corn grower member of the association. …
USDA Opens Election Period for Seed Cotton Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that seed cotton producers who want to participate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2018 crop year may now submit applications. The signup period begins today (July 30, 2018) and ends on Dec. 7, 2018. In accordance with changes to ARC and PLC made by …
In Argentina, Perdue Welcomes U.S. Pork Back to Market
Secretary Sonny Perdue celebrates the reintroduction of U.S. pork into the Argentine market, with U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Edward Prado. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue celebrated the reintroduction of American pork products to the Argentine market after more than 20 years by slicing a ten pound honey baked ham. “The U.S. is the world’s third largest pork producer and …
Signup Now for 2018 Beef Cattle Conference
Cow-calf producers across the Southeast can gain valuable insight on how to overcome challenges in the cattle business during the 2018 Beef Cattle Conference Saturday, August 18th at the Ham Wilson Livestock Arena in Auburn, Alabama. With the theme “It’s what you learn after you know it all that really counts,” the conference will equip cattlemen and cattlewomen with the …
UF/IFAS Scientists Use Fungus to Manage Asian Citrus Psyllid
Fighting plant disease with jet blast sprays is standard practice for citrus growers. But, to spray a fungus to control a single insect that carries a disease-causing pathogen is uncommon. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability researchers have begun to test an insect-killing fungus applied with horticultural oil sprays in …