Scott, Cabinet to Consider Conservation Deals

Randall Weiseman Environment, Florida, Industry News Release

FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet next week are expected to consider three proposed deals that would help conserve more than 14,000 acres of land. The largest deal, with a proposed cost of $16.1 million, would involve the state buying 11,027 acres in Leon and Jefferson counties from Natural Bridge Timberlands, LLC. The …

Concerns with ‘GIPSA’ Rules Sent to OMB for Review

Randall Weiseman Cattle, Industry News Release, Livestock, Pork

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) last week sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review three rules related to the buying and selling of livestock and poultry. They include: an interim final rule addressing the “scope” of sections of the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) related to meat …

Alabama Producers Urged to Keep Watch for Screwworm

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Equine, Florida, Georgia, Industry News Release, Livestock

From the Alabama Cooperative Extension System: AUBURN, Ala.—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed three New World screwworm cases in Florida last week. Three Wild Key Deer on a wildlife refuge in Big Pine Key, Florida, are the first locally confirmed cases of New World screwworm in more than three decades. In 2007 and 2010, …

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Assesses Crop and Production Damage from Hurricane Matthew

Randall Weiseman Cotton, Field Crops, General, Georgia, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops, Vegetables, Weather

From the Georgia Department of Agriculture: Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black joined Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long to tour farming operations in Tattnall, Screven and Evans counties in an effort to assess damage acquired by Hurricane Matthew. “After surveying the damage I think it is safe to say that it is certainly not as bad as it …

Alabama Department of Transportation Approves Drought Emergency Declaration

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, General, Industry News Release, Livestock, Weather

From the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association: We just got word that the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has approved our request for a special Drought Emergency Declaration for hay hauling. Permits are available for loads up to 12′ wide and 14′ high up to 80,000 lbs. on five axles. The PERMIT FEES are WAIVED. Simply call the permit office at 1-800-499-2782.

Screwworm Life Cycle and Habits Contribute to Insect’s Threat

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Equine, Florida, General, Georgia, Industry News Release, Livestock

From the University of Florida/IFAS By: Tom Nordlie GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida residents curious or skeptical about the threat posed by the parasitic screwworm fly Cochliomiya hominivorax can rest assured the insect merits all the attention it has received after an outbreak was detected in the Florida Keys earlier this month, say experts with the University of Florida Institute of …

Online Hay Listing Now Available for Alabama Farmers

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Industry News Release, Livestock, Weather

From the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries: Montgomery, AL- The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in cooperation with the Alabama Agribusiness Council, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Farmers Federation are launching an on-line hay listing to address the urgent need for hay that livestock producers are experiencing during the current drought …