Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will ask state lawmakers for $75 million next year to fund a depleted program that helps shield agricultural land from development. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday he will propose spending $21 million to help struggling citrus growers reeling after Hurricane Irma. “They have one crop a year. With all the wind and the rain, it …
U.S. Must Make Commitment To Agricultural Research
The National Pork Producers Council in delivered testimony urged Congress to renew its commitment to funding agricultural research to help America’s farmers feed a growing world population, improve public health and strengthen U.S. national security by ensuring America’s food security. NPPC chief veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom told the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology …
Farmers Applaud Move to Reform Tax Code
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farm Bureau applauds Congress for its progress in reforming the tax code. This new tax plan moves us closer to a tax system that rewards the hard work and entrepreneurship of America’s farm and ranch families. “Today’s proposal includes expanded, immediate expensing while continuing the business interest …
North Florida/South Georgia Dairy Meeting November 16: Milk Quality
Temperatures are finally cooling and calving season is beginning to ramp up. That means more cows are milking. You are invited to come learn about results of a three-state (Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Florida) Milk Quality Assurance research and extension project which is winding up its fifth and final year. The information which has been gleaned from milkers, supervisors, managers, and …
FMC Closes Transaction with DuPont
FMC Corporation Wednesday announced it has completed the closing of its two pending transactions with DuPont. The two companies signed an agreement back in March and now say all necessary conditions and approvals are completed. FMC has acquired the portion of DuPont’s Crop Protection business it had to divest to comply with the European Commission ruling related to its merger …
Senators Urge FCC To Ensure Affordable Rural Broadband Access
A bipartisan group of senators is urging the FCC to ensure access to affordable broadband in rural communities. Led by Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts, the group penned a letter the Federal Communications Commission Wednesday asking the FCC to “ensure its commitment to affordable and reliable broadband for consumers in the hardest to reach communities across rural America.” The senators …
China Pork Imports to Increase
Rabobank expects China to increase its pork imports through the last few months of the year. A new report by Rabobank suggests a stronger pricing trend, as the major importing countries, including China, will likely maintain steady import growth. China’s pork imports were down 27 percent in the first eight months of this year. Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports China’s …
Cruz Outlines Hold on Northey Nomination, Wants RFS Meeting
Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz wants the Trump administration to organize a meeting on the Renewable Fuel Standard and is holding up the Bill Northey nomination until the meeting is planned. Cruz has placed a hold on Northey’s nomination as the Department of Agriculture undersecretary for farm production and conservation. Eight other Senators are also seeking a compromise on the …
Court Upholds Ban on Front Yard Vegetable Gardens
A state appeals court Wednesday rejected a constitutional challenge to a Miami Shores ordinance that bars residents from planting vegetable gardens in their front yards. Hermine Ricketts and Tom Carroll, a married couple, filed a lawsuit after a code inspector issued a notice of violation because of their front-yard vegetable garden. Represented by attorneys from the Institute for Justice, a …
Drivers Pass Two Billion Miles on E15
Growth Energy announced this week that in just five months, American drivers have surpassed another billion miles on E15, bringing the total miles driven across the U.S. to two billion. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says the two-billion-mile mark is an exciting milestone for the industry. E15 is approved for use in all vehicles 2001 and newer, as well as, …