Just days from Thanksgiving, some turkey farmers are feeling the effects of Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue’s decision to pull out of the final interim GIPSA (Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration) rule. Politico reports that just hours after the announcement, Plainville Farms of Pennsylvania presented its farmers with updated contracts that required the producers to make costly upgrades to their …
Putnam Provides Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Celebrations
Ahead of Thanksgiving, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are providing tips to ensure a safe holiday weekend. The following tips can help prevent wildfire: Avoid burning yard debris on dry, windy days. Never leave a fire or outdoor heat source unattended. Set up turkey fryers and grills at least 10 feet away from the …
Is Your Turkey Big Enough?
Cathy Isom has some important tips about how to make sure your bird is big enough for your Thanksgiving dinner guests.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When it comes to buying the right size turkey to feed everyone at your Thanksgiving dinner table, USDA’s Marilyn Gravely suggests estimating: “about a pound per person.” She says …
Farm Bureau Survey Reveals Lowest Thanksgiving Dinner Cost in Five Years
American Farm Bureau Federation’s 32nd annual price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.12, a 75-cent decrease from last year’s average of $49.87. The big ticket item – a 16-pound turkey – came in at a total of $22.38 this year. That’s roughly $1.40 …
Save on Turkey Dinner
Cathy Isom has some savvy ways to save on this year’s Thanksgiving meal. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The holidays can get pretty pricey, especially if you’re in charge of feeding the entire family. Count your holiday blessings and pennies with these quick and easy tips to save. #1 Create a budget and plan the menu carefully. …
UF/IFAS Experts: Clean and Cook Holiday Meals Thoroughly
’Tis the season for holiday feasts, so before and after you enjoy a nutritious, tasty cornucopia, be sure to clean and cook thoroughly, UF/IFAS experts say. Here are hints to avoid food-borne illnesses from a holiday meal, according to Samara Deary, a family and consumer sciences agent with UF/IFAS Extension Bradford County; Nan Jensen, family and consumer sciences agent with …
U.S. Poultry Groups Applaud WTO’s Indonesian Ruling
U.S. poultry groups are pleased the World Trade Organization confirmed Indonesia’s import restrictions for horticultural products and animals and animal products are against WTO rules. The WTO has rejected Indonesia’s appeal of the panel finding, a move U.S. poultry groups say is a “resounding victory.” The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, National Chicken Council, and National Turkey Federation echoed …
Farm Bureau Seeks Full Withdrawal of Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “The American Farm Bureau thanks Secretary Perdue for delaying the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule. The health and well-being of livestock is a top priority for all farmers and ranchers. We work with a host of specialists, from animal scientists to nutritionists, to manage our farms …
Organic Livestock Rule Delayed Until January
The U.S. Department of Ag announced it will delay the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule until January 19. The Hagstrom Report says the announcement was strongly criticized by several House Democrats but praised by House Ag Committee Chair Michael Conaway, a Texas Republican. There are several provisions under the rule, an example of which is requiring outdoor access for …
Delay Sought For Reporting Farm Air Emissions
With a Nov. 15 deadline looming, the National Pork Producers Council and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association filed a brief in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s motion to delay a mandate that farmers report certain air emissions from manure on their farms. In April, a federal court, ruling on a lawsuit brought by environmental activist groups against EPA, …