The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced grants to increase women and minority representation in the agricultural science workforce. Funding is made through NIFA’s Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS). “America’s human capital is our greatest resource,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “NIFA investments are helping …
Putnam’s Statement Regarding Current Federal Disaster Relief Legislation
The U.S. Senate last night voted to move forward the $36.5 billion disaster relief legislation without additional support for Florida agriculture. Florida’s agriculture industry suffered a more than $2.5 billion hit due to Hurricane Irma. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam’s statement is below: “I’m disappointed that the current disaster relief legislation does not include much-needed support for Florida’s …
Governor Ivey to Speak at ATFA Annual Meeting
The 2017 Alabama TREASURE Forest Association annual meeting will be held Oct. 26-27 in Florence, Alabama. This conference provides excellent opportunities for landowners to gather and learn from each other as well as industry and agency professionals on how to best manage their property. This year will be no exception, as they are pleased to announce the addition of the …
42nd annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show set for Jan. 18, 2018 in Tifton
Make plans to attend the 42nd annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The one-day show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with more than …
U.S. Milk Production Slows Increase Level
U.S. milk production increased last month, but at a slower pace than seen earlier this year. The Department of Agriculture’s monthly Milk Production Report found September milk production was up just 1.1 percent, the smallest increase all year if you ignore February, according to the website Milk Business. February 2016 was a leap year, so this year’s February milk production …
Reuters Says WHO Glyphosate Report Full of Lies
A new report by Reuters says the World Health Organization (WHO) purposefully distorted it’s finding on glyphosate, resulting in the United Nations claiming the weed killer is a carcinogen. Reuters examined documents from the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s assessment of glyphosate, a report that has prompted international disputes and lawsuits. The examination found key sections of the report …
Canada Won’t Place Further Restrictions on Dicamba
Canada will not follow a move by the U.S. to place further restrictions on dicamba herbicides. Health Canada, responsible for regulations of herbicides, says it supports the current Canadian labels for dicamba. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently increased restrictions on the use of dicamba sprayed over crops, after the first season of use for dicamba-resistant soybeans turned up about …
Coalition Calls for Double the Funding for USDA Research
More than 60 farm and commodity groups are calling for lawmakers to double the funding for agriculture research in the next farm bill. The coalition of 63 organizations sent a letter to House and Senate agriculture leaders, requesting the lawmakers increase the Department of Agriculture’s research, education and extension budget to $6 billion over the life of the next farm …
Canada “Extremely Worried” About NAFTA Direction
Canada is “extremely worried” behind the scenes regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations. News network CTV of Canada reports the latest round of negotiations has caused concerns. The U.S. has since tabled a measure to dismantle Canada’s dairy supply management system, but the issue is likely to come up again. Canada refuses to make changes to the …
Farmers Need to Be Aware of Dicamba Labeling Restriction
Farmers interested in using dicamba as part of their crop strategy in the 2018 growing season need to be aware only certified applicators, or those under direct supervision will be allowed to apply the product. The label change reflects an agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency, Monsanto, BASF and DuPont on measures to further minimize the potential for drift to …