(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried held a town hall meeting on crop insurance issues at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida. Fried was joined via Zoom by Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy of the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and other RMA senior and regional leaders to answer questions from agriculture producers on crop insurance and risk management. Photos/Video: A video recording and high-res …
Fried on International Trade Commission Vote on Imported Blueberries
(FDACS) — The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that blueberries were not being imported into the United States in such quantities as to harm the domestic blueberry industry nationwide. Earlier this month, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried testified before the ITC that Mexico’s market share for blueberries had skyrocketed 2,100 percent since 2009, while Florida’s market share decreased 38 percent since 2015, indicating …
Pork Exports for 2020 Shatter Previous Records
New numbers show that U.S. pork exports reached nearly 3 million metric tons last year, topping the 2019 record by 11%. According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), pork export value also climbed 11% to a record $7.71 billion. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom discuss the year-end pork export results in more detail. …
Georgia Bermuda Grown for Super Bowl LV
(GDA) — The grass that will be used as the playing field for Super Bowl LV in Florida was actually grown in Georgia. Turfgrass varieties such as the game’s Bermuda are developed by the University of Georgia and have been used for many events including the World Cup and Super Bowl. “Tifway 419, bred and grown in Georgia, is a benchmark …
Updates to Conservation Easements Strengthens Protection for Farmlands, Grasslands, and Wetlands
(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the final rule for its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which enables agricultural producers and private landowners to protect farmlands, grasslands, and wetlands with conservation easements. The rule updates ACEP as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and incorporates public comments made on an interim rule. “Conservation easements are a critical conservation tool helping landowners …
Researchers Help Expand Indoor Gardening Trend Triggered by Pandemic
(UF/IFAS) — COVID-19 led many people to start gardening, and it’s no passing fancy. Recent research shows that about 80% of those who took up gardening since the beginning of COVID-19 will continue the pastime in 2021. Growing in the outdoor garden is one thing. Tending to plants indoors at home presents other challenges and opportunities. As they recognized the …
South African Farm Labor Exempt from Travel Ban
(AFBF) — The U.S. State Department clarified its ban on non-citizens entering the United States from South Africa. A Biden administration proclamation suspended travel from several countries due to COVID-19 concerns. The State Department clarified that agriculture workers entering the U.S. qualify for national interest exceptions on a case-by-case basis. The American Farm Bureau Federation sent a letter to Secretary …
Alabama Farmers Federation Celebrates Anniversary
(ALFA) — Alabama Farmers Federation kicked off its centennial year and celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Alfa Insurance® this week at the organization’s home office in Montgomery. Founded in 1921, the Federation represents more than 350,000 member families through county organizations in all 67 Alabama counties. Jimmy Parnell, who serves as president of the Federation and Alfa®, said the Federation’s …
Growing Matters: Label Rate and Applicator Training Importance
Using the exact label rate for products is vital for growers and applicators. The BeSure campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition is reminding the industry that not doing so can lead to ineffective treatments and even pesticide resistance. University of Florida Assistant Professor of Agronomy Brett Bultemeier emphasizes the importance of strictly adhering to the product label and proper application …
COUNTRY Financial: Make Safety a Priority on the Farm
COUNTRY Financial continues to invest in agriculture in many states, including Alabama and Georgia. And earlier this month, Agricultural Safety Awareness Week was celebrated, and they encourage farmers to make safety a priority on the farm throughout the year. This part of the country is prone to storms all year, and especially in the spring. So Adela Ford, COUNTRY Financial …