In this week’s “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, Commissioner I understand there is a new threat to Alabama’s honeybee colonies. Can you tell us about it? Again, if you believe you found a yellow-legged hornet, send a photo of the insect with the abdomen and legs visible to agi.alabama.gov/contact-us/ with the subject line “Invasive Species”. Or contact the …
Sorghum: A Useful Pollinator Food Source
An alternative food source for pollinators. That’s coming up in This Land of Ours. Sorghum bicolor, a pollen-rich grass species cultivated for grain and forage, which looks similar to corn, can be an important food source for pollinators and other beneficial insects during times when pollen and nectar are scarce. Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) …
Hurricane Ian’s Impact on Honey Bees
Bees are vital to agriculture, and a recent major weather event had an impact on colonies. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Hurricane Ian was devastating in many ways, including the loss of human life and destruction, and now we’re learning more about its effect on honey bees. According to a report by the University of Florida, it’s not …
Florida Ag Producers Impacted by Hurricane Ian May be Eligible for Emergency Conservation Program Assistance
Agricultural producers who suffered severe damage from Hurricane Ian, may be eligible for assistance under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). But, to be eligible, USDA approval is required before producers can begin repair efforts. Deborah Tannebaum, State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Florida, explained to Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman what land is …
Farmers Try to Sort Out Hurricane Damage
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Oct. 06, 2022) — A week after Hurricane Ian stormed across Florida, farmers and ranchers continue waiting for flood waters to recede to get a full picture of the destruction to citrus groves and cattle operations. The storm killed at least 200 cows at a dairy farm in Myakka City, while beef cattle counts remain uncertain until herds can …
Hurricane Ian Devastates Southwest Florida Agriculture
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, …
Florida on Alert as Hurricane Ian Threatens
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 26, 2022) — Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to be aware of local evacuation orders as Hurricane Ian is expected to strengthen into a “major” storm in the eastern Gulf of Mexico as early as Tuesday. DeSantis said during a media briefing just before noon Monday that Ian will bring heavy rain, strong winds, flash flooding, storm surges …
Most of 2022 Corn Crop Pollinating at Same Time
Due to weather conditions this spring, a large chunk of the 2022 corn crop was planted about the same time. Thus, it is pollinating during the same time frame, a time where many areas are seeing hot, dry conditions. Mark Oppold reports this could have an effect on the markets. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New …
Roundup of Some of the Nation’s Pollinators
We wrap up National Pollinator week with a roundup of some of the nation’s pollinators. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Talk about pollinators often revolves around honeybees, which makes sense because they do the majority of the work, especially when it comes to commercial agriculture. But there are a number of other pollinators as well, and National Pollinator Week …
Mite-Resistant Honeybees
Honeybees that are pest resistant. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Pol-line honeybees, a type of Varroa mite-resistant honeybee developed by the Agricultural Research Service, are more than twice as likely to survive through the winter than standard honeybees. That’s according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Although ARS developed Pol-line bees in 2014, this study was the first time …