In response to a request from Dianne Westmoreland, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Acting State Executive Director in Georgia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Burke and Wilcox counties in Georgia as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by freeze that occurred from March 15, 2017, through March 17, 2017. Farmers and ranchers in the …
Ag Terrorism Act Arrives at President Trumps Desk
The Securing our Agriculture and Food Act recently passed through both the Senate and House of Representatives in a bipartisan fashion. It now awaits the final approval of President Trump. A Bovine Vet Online Dot Com article says the language in the bill helps to clarify what the role of the Department of Homeland Security is as it works with …
Better Beef Access in China Will Take Time
The U.S. beef industry was understandably excited when China agreed to resume importing product from the U.S. An Ag Web Dot Com article notes that supplies eligible for exports remain few and far between. Derrell Peel, an Ag Economist at Oklahoma State University, says it’s a long-term project to build up beef export numbers to China. “There are some restrictions …
European Union Close to Trade Deal with Japan
The European Union and Japanese officials both say they’re close to signing what would be a major free trade deal, which could potentially jump-start other free trade deals. A European Union negotiator says a deal between the two would let the rest of the world know that two of the largest economies are resisting protectionism in favor of openness and …
Senators Want Ag Focus in NAFTA Talks
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative wrapped up public comment hearings this week on the upcoming North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Ag groups representing American farmers and ranchers had a chance to weigh in on what they’d like to see in the talks. A group of Senators also weighed in on what they’d like to see emphasized in …
Georgia Cotton Commission Approves Budget, Davis Elected Chairman
At its June 28th meeting, the Georgia Cotton Commission approved its budget for the fiscal year 2018 (FY18) that starts July 1st. Along with supporting cotton industry organizations such as the National Cotton Council and Southern Cotton Growers, the FY18 budget includes $645,000 for cotton research. These research projects cover all aspects of cotton production including cotton breeding, variety testing, …
Research on Pests and Beneficial Species Funding from USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced 21 grants totaling $7.6 million for research to help manage pests and beneficial species that affect agricultural crops. The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “There continues to be a critical need to …
NRCS Alabama Announces Drought Funding
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Alabama has announced the agency is providing funding to assist landowners impacted by last year’s extreme drought. Eligible landowners have until July 28, 2017, to apply. from USDA/NRCS Alabama Eligible Landowners with Grazing Lands Encouraged to Apply USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist for Alabama, Ben Malone, announced that the agency is …
UF/IFAS’ Crane Honored by Horticultural Society
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences As a scientist and tropical fruit Extension specialist, Jonathan Crane has spent most of his adult life trying to help South Florida farmers grow crops in the Sunshine State’s hot, humid weather. In recognition of Crane’s work, the Florida State Horticultural Society has honored the University of Florida Institute …
Natural Resource Meeting Explains Farm Bill Programs, Seeks Recommendations
Gainesville, Fla. – In an effort to assist agricultural producers in meeting their land management goals while protecting our natural resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will conduct a State Technical Advisory Committee meeting Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Doyle Conner Agriculture Building Auditorium. Located at 1911 SW 34th …