Florida Farm Bureau (FFB) notes it is working with their members to assess the damage farmers and ranchers across the state suffered from Hurricane Ian in order determine their needs. Many are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings, fencing and other property loss due to substantial wind and water damage. In the citrus belt, there has been significant fruit drop, …
USDA to Invest up to $300 million in New Organic Transition Initiative
(WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2022) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced details of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $300 million investment, including with American Rescue Plan funds, in a new Organic Transition Initiative that will help build new and better markets and streams of income for farmers and producers. Organic production allows producers to hold a unique position in the marketplace …
USDA Announces New Opportunities to Improve Nutrient Management
Now that both the U.S. Senate and House have passed the Inflation Reduction Act, it only awaits the signature of President Biden. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) welcomed the passage of the Act, which they note will deliver $19.5 billion in new conservation funding to support climate-smart agriculture. Funding from the Act is designed to will bolster new steps …
USDA Accepting Applications for Organic Programs
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program and Organic Certification Cost Share Program. The programs help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux says, “By helping with organic certification costs – long identified as a barrier to …
USDA Publishes Origin of Livestock Final Rule for Organic Dairy
(Release No. 0069.22/USDA/AMS/WASHINGTON, Mar. 29, 2022) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture published the highly anticipated Origin of Livestock (OOL) final rule for organic dairy. This change to the USDA organic regulations will promote a fairer and more competitive market for all organic dairy producers, by making sure that certified USDA organic dairy products are produced to the same consistent standard. “This …
Report: Organic Grower Challenges and Seed Needs Loom Large
The organic industry’s State of Organic Seeds report shows no meaningful improvement in organic producers using more organic seed compared to five years ago. The report, announced this week along with the National Organic Research Agenda, concludes the lack of progress puts at risk the viability of the organic seed industry and the integrity of the organic label. Released by …
Using Soil Blocks for Better Seed Starting
How to use soil blocks for better seed starting. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Soil blocking involves creating compressed blocks of soil to start seedlings in. It’s inexpensive, easier for transplanting, promotes healthy root systems, and is eco-friendly. And the best part, no transplanting to larger pots. To get started, you will need a seed-friendly soil mix, …
Using a Multi-Step Approach to Mitigate Weeds on the Farm
Using a multi-step approach to mitigate weeds on the farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Tackling weeds requires a multi-step approach. The first step is to identify your No Weed Grow Zone. A “no-grow” zone won’t stop weeds from trying to occupy space. But, clearly marking it, using a physical barrier or digging a trench, makes it …
Understanding Weeds Help with Your Plan to Eradicate Them
How understanding weeds will help with your plan to eradicate them. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There’s an incredible variety of weeds out there and most fall into a few basic categories. Understanding these can help you eradicate them from the farm. Taprooted Weeds, such as Dandelions, are slow to start and hard to eradicate once established. …
Control of Weeds on the Farm Without Using Chemicals
How to control weeds on the farm without using chemicals. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are more than a dozen methods for controlling weeds. Including using them in useful and creative ways, or eating them! For organic farming, an organic weed control plan is a comprehensive approach to manage weeds year round. A good weed control …