Steve Musser, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama, reminds producers that October 17th is the signup batching date to get funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program in 2015. Download Audio
U.S. Sugar’s 84th Annual Sugar Cane Harvest Starts After Rain Delay
From U.S. Sugar Corporation: Clewiston, FL – October 1, 2014– U.S. Sugar’s 84th annual sugarcane harvest, scheduled to begin Tuesday evening, was delayed until mid-afternoon Wednesday, October 1st and got off to an extremely slow and soggy start due to excessive rainfall. “More than a week of rain dumped nearly eight inches across the farming area, with standing water in …
Universities, Community Organizations Awarded 2014 Specialty Crop Block Grants
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Tallahassee, FL – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today 33 projects will receive a total of $4.5 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) specialty crop block grants this year. The grant-supported projects include fighting pests and disease in avocados, snap beans, tomatoes and blueberries; providing more locally …
USDA Invests Nearly $118 Million to Support America’s Specialty Crop Producers
In a teleconference this afternoon, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced nearly $118 million in grants to strengthen markets for specialty crops, with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services receiving $4.5 million to fund 34 projects. Download Audio
Georgia Peanut Commission Traveling to the Classic City to Promote Peanuts
From the Georgia Peanut Commission: TIFTON, Ga. (Oct. 1, 2014) – The Georgia Peanut Commission will be traveling to Athens, Georgia, this upcoming weekend to promote peanuts during Homecoming weekend at the University of Georgia. While in Athens, GPC will pass out koozies adorning the Georgia Peanuts logo, as well as its famous little red bags of peanuts to football …
United States and Brazil Reach Agreement to End WTO Cotton Dispute
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2014 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman announced that the United States and Brazil have reached agreement to settle the longstanding Cotton dispute in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Under the terms of the agreement, Brazil will terminate the Cotton case, giving up its rights …
NCC Commends Resolution of Brazil WTO Dispute
From the National Cotton Council: MEMPHIS — The National Cotton Council appreciates the U.S. government’s successful efforts to conclude the U.S.-Brazil trade dispute in the World Trade Organization through negotiation, thereby avoiding retaliation. NCC Chairman Wally Darneille reiterated that the U.S. cotton industry has undertaken extensive efforts to
USDA Threatens Domestic Food Supply with Proposed Rule
From the office of Congressman Ted S. Yoho: Washington, DC¬– Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL), along with others, sent a letter recently to Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator Kevin Shea. The letter is asking the agency to halt the implementation of the their proposed rule from December 2013 – allowing for the importation of fresh and …
Alabama Celebrating 50th October Beef Month
October marks the 50th anniversary of one of the longest running beef promotion programs in the country, October Beef Month in Alabama. And the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association’s Erin Beasley says they are celebrating with 50 years of flavor. Download Audio
Rogers named interim head of UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center
From the University of Florida/IFAS: GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University Florida today named Michael Rogers interim director of the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. The CREC is part of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Rogers has a doctorate in entomology from the University of Kentucky and specializes in citrus integrated pest management. His research has …