SMART Farm brings to the forefront advanced technology and innovative practices that help farmers and ranchers grow and raise food sustainably At the CES® (Consumer Electronics Show), the largest consumer electronics show in the world, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA) introduced a new communications concept, called SMART Farm, aimed at bridging the gap between the acceptance of innovation that’s a …
Trump Putting More Protectionist ‘Stamp’ on Incoming Administration
President-elect Trump is putting his more protectionist ‘stamp’ on the incoming administration, tapping key trade players for U.S. Trade Representative and other agencies opposed to pure free trade policies. Trump’s pick for U.S. Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, served as a deputy trade representative in the Reagan years and went on to lobby for U.S. steel firms, pressing for punitive measures …
Florida NRCS WRE Signup Deadline Nearing
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida reminds agricultural landowners and Indian tribes to apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement. You have until January 13 to do so for 2017 funding. Applications are available online, or Contact Crenel Francis, 352-338-9508 for questions and submissions.
ChemChina-Syngenta Deal Delayed
ChemChina and Syngenta were issued an extension by European Union antitrust regulators to comply with the regulator’s request.
CTFC Chairman Massad Resigns
Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Timothy Massad, announced he will step down when President-elect Donald Trump takes office later this month. Massad has served as CTFC Chairman since June of 2014.
Vilsack Expected to Become U.S. Dairy Export Council President
Outgoing Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is expected to become the next president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council when he leaves office later this month. Vilsack has not confirmed the plans, but a source familiar with the intentions told Agri-Pulse Vilsack will take the place of Tom Suber, who retired at the end of the year from the …
Agriculture Growing Weary of Ag Secretary Search
As President-elect Donald Trump thins his list of major nominations to make before he takes office later this month, the agriculture industry is getting restless while waiting for his pick to lead the Department of Agriculture.
Settlement Sought in Florida-Georgia Water War
The News Service of Florida A special master appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court has given Florida and Georgia a Jan. 24 deadline “to reach a framework for settlement” of a contentious legal fight over water rights.
Dedicated Energy Crops and Competition for Agricultural Land
by Ron Sands, Scott Malcolm, Shellye Suttles, and Elizabeth Marshall, USDA Economic Research Service What Is the Issue? Dedicated energy crops, such as switchgrass in the United States, are viewed as potential renewable feedstocks for liquid fuels or bioelectricity. However, markets do not presently exist for large-scale use of this resource. This study examines three policy scenarios that could create …
Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet Feb. 14-Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are on sale for the 38th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet on Feb. 14, which will honor four inductees who have made invaluable contributions to Florida agriculture. The banquet, which each year celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders who have served in research, education and business, is held in the Special Events Center at the Florida State …