A look at what kinds of farms make up the majority of production. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Large-scale family farms accounted for a majority of the value of commodity production in 2022, according to a new report from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS). Specifically, these farms accounted for 51 percent of cash grains and soybeans, 56 …
Peanut Farm Show Offers Management Strategies for Growers to Remain Sustainable
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission hosted its annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference on Thursday. Attendees flocked to the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference in Tifton, Georgia. Production issues like weed and disease management were highlighted during the UGA Peanut Production Seminar; followed by updates from breeders concerning potential varieties in the future. Rodney Dawson, chairman …
Pork Producers Concerned About FDA Antibiotics Proposal
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) submitted comments critical of the Food and Drug Administration’s draft guidance on the duration of use of certain antibiotics in food animals. NPPC says the proposal would “deny the ability for a veterinarian to prescribe antimicrobials appropriately, burden pharmaceutical companies, and may jeopardize antibiotic access.” Opting for a mobile clean room can significantly streamline …
Georgia Producers Encouraged to Apply for USDA Conservation Programs
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) is encouraging agricultural producers and forest landowners in the state to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices in fiscal year 2024. NRCS continues to accept applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which help a wide variety of producers, including urban and organic producers. For …
NCBA Keeps Close Eye on Proposed USDA Rulemaking
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane says he’s keeping an eye on proposed USDA rulemaking for the beef industry. “We’re watching with some concern some of what we’re seeing coming out of USDA. Obviously, they continue to be very focused on what they’re calling their competition agenda,” he said. Lane said NCBA believes that competition …
Florida NRCS Releases 2023 Report of Conservation Accomplishments
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) recently released its annual report of accomplishments for Fiscal Year 2023, which highlights the impacts of federal and partner investments toward protecting and improving natural resources in Florida. According to the new report NRCS in Florida, from September 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, obligated $44.6 million in financial assistance for Farm Bill …
Alabama Now Accepting FY2024 RCPP Applications
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) has announced it is accepting applications for its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) through February 16th, 2024. In Alabama, The Nature Conservancy plans to reduce sedimentation, pollution, nutrient runoff, and other stresses within several waterbodies in the Paint Rock, Big Canoe Creek, and Locust Fork watersheds. Implementing streambank restoration practices along these targeted waterbodies will improve water quality for …
UGA Production Workshops Key Part of GCC Annual Meeting
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) reminds growers and industry leaders that its annual meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. An integral part of the commission’s annual meeting is the UGA Production Workshop, coordinated by members of the UGA Cotton Team. Multiple sessions will …
Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Legislative Leaders Launch Hurricane Idalia Recovery Programs for Florida Farmers
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/January 16, 2024) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and legislative leaders announced the launch of two agricultural disaster recovery programs with over $112 million in funding to help Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers rebuild and recover from Hurricane Idalia. Impacted agricultural producers can now apply for the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program and the Silviculture Recovery Program. …
USDA Reopens Signup for Continuous CRP
Another chance to sign up for continuous CRP. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is again accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program signup. The program from the Farm Service Agency provides ag producers and other landowners with conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments. It also includes the Conservation Reserve …