April 21 is the deadline for conservation partners in Alabama to submit pre-proposals for fiscal year 2018 funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama is accepting pre-proposals designed to help improve water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. Alabama State Conservationist Ben Malone says RCPP works …
UF Plant Science Research and Education Unit Gets New Director
A veteran of the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit has been named its permanent director, and he hopes to help faculty continue improving crops. James Boyer, who has worked at the unit for 17 years, was named interim director in May 2016. His appointment to the permanent post was effective April 7. Prior to that, he worked as …
Increased blueberry volumes from Naturipe
Ideal growing conditions are on the rise throughout the United States and Naturipe Farms has promotable blueberry volumes available which is meeting increased consumer consumption trends and offers promotion opportunities at retail. With earlier harvests this year, “We are now seeing optimal quality and production from Florida & Georgia,” says Mario Flores, Director of Blueberry Product Management. “Northern Florida and …
Commissioner Putnam Seeks Nominations for Woman of the Year in Agriculture
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is now accepting nominations for the 2017 “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award. Since 1985, the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award has recognized women in all areas of the industry who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture. The deadline for submitting nominations is June 1, 2017. Nominations may be …
USDA Offers Help to Fire-Affected Farmers and Ranchers in Florida
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Acting State Executive Director, Debby Folsom, reminds farmers and ranchers affected by the recent wildfires that disaster assistance programs are available to support their recovery efforts. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) can assist farmers and ranchers who lost eligible crops and honeybees as a result of a natural disaster. FSA …
More Farmers Considering Drone Use
A new poll finds 21 percent of farmers plan to operate a drone this year. The poll by Farm Journal Media found 21 percent of farmers will operate the drone themselves, while another 12 percent of farmers indicated they would opt for a third-party entity to fly drones. More than 1,000 farmers responded to the poll. 31 percent of respondents …
2017 Corn Plantings Falling Behind
Wet conditions across the Corn Belt are delaying corn plantings. The Department of Agriculture indicated earlier this week corn plantings have fallen slightly behind the five-year average, and wet weather this week in the Midwest will likely bring further delays. With six percent of total corn acres planted by April 16th, progress fell three percentage points short of the five-year …
Commerce Department Investigating Argentina and Indonesia Biodiesel Imports
The U.S. Commerce Department has launched an antidumping and countervailing duty investigation aimed at biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia. DTN-The Progressive Farmer reports the investigation is in response to a complaint filed by the biodiesel industry in the United States. U.S. biodiesel industry representatives testified to the International Trade Commission last week, saying biodiesel produced in Argentina and Indonesia …
63 Indictments in Brazil Tainted Meat Scandal
Brazil has indicted 63 people for their role in a corruption scheme within the nation’s Ministry of Agriculture. Drovers Cattle Network reports the charges allege federal auditors at meat processing facilities took bribes for years in exchange for fraudulent sanitary permits. Suspects in the case are charged with falsifying medical records and certificates, tampering with food products, conspiracy and corruption. …
U.S. Petition Seeks Brazilian Beef Ban
An online petition is seeking a ban on beef imports to the U.S. from Brazil. Posted on the White House’s We the People Website, the petition cites Brazil’s tainted meat scandal in asking the administration to ban “unsafe imports” from Brazil until all beef in the U.S. is sold with a country-of-origin label. Food Safety News reports the petition was …