pollinators

A Sure Bet for Bringing Pollinators to the Garden

Dan Nursery Crops, Pollinators, This Land of Ours

The sure bet for bringing pollinators to your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Whether you call it bee balm, monarda, bergamot, or Oswego tea, this plant is a sure bet for bringing pollinators to the garden. Blossoms reminiscent of fireworks in a variety of colors mean more than just pollinators enjoy the summertime display. Vigorous growth and …

natural pollination

Bats are Nocturnal Creatures Providing Natural Pollination and Pest Control

Dan Pest/Pest Control, Pollinators, This Land of Ours

How to attract bats to your yard. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. After dark, Bats are nocturnal creatures that provide natural pollination and pest control for your yard. They love mosquitos, too! And because bats can eat in amounts up to half of its body weight, that means that a single bat could eat 1,000 to 3,000 insects …

plant

Plant Things That Keep Bees Coming Back for More

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Nursery Crops, Pollinators, Pollinators, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

How to plant things that will keep bees coming back for more.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Bees are one of our most valuable pollinators, responsible for pollinating 80 percent of the world’s plants! That means 1 out of every 4 bites of food we eat is due to the hard work of bees. Its up to us …

usda

Florida Right to Farm Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Cover Crops, Field Crops, Florida, Fruits, Hemp, Herbs, Legislative, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Pecans, Pollinators, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Tree Nuts, Vegetables

Just hours after the Florida House gave final approval Thursday, a bill that would expand legal protections for farmers was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to the News Service of Florida, the House voted 110-7 to support expanding the state’s “Right to Farm” law, a top priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. The Senate passed the bill (SB …

honney bees

Protecting Honey Bees in Citrus Groves

Dan Citrus, Pollinators, Research

When people think of Florida, the first thing that comes to mind is Fresh From Florida oranges. Florida accounts for 44 percent of total U.S. citrus production. Citrus, like many other fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops, require certain inputs to grow and produce fruit. But how are pollinators and the production of citrus related? Many citrus varieties grown in Florida …

Parasite Hijacks Iron in Honey Bees

Dan Pollinators, USDA-ARS

(USDA/ARS) — An Agricultural Research Service (ARS) entomologist has discovered the Nosema ceranae parasite that causes major problems and death in honey bees works by hijacking its host’s iron for itself. Iron is as essential a micronutrient for honey bees as it is for people. Honey bees usually get enough to meet their needs from their flower pollen diet. They use iron …

farmers ppp payroll protection

Farmers Gain Improved Access to Small Business Support as PPP Reopens

Dan Aquaculture, Cattle, Citrus, Corn, Cotton, Cover Crops, Dairy, Equine, Field Crops, Forestry, Fruits, Hemp, Herbs, Industry News Release, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Peanuts, Pecans, Pollinators, Pork, Poultry, Sheep-Goats, Soybeans, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Wheat

(NMPF) — The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is pleased that farmers who run their operations as sole proprietors, independent contractors, or otherwise self-employed individuals will have newly expanded access as soon as today to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under changes made in the COVID stimulus package Congress approved last month. Producers who were denied PPP loans or whose …

turfgrasses

Turfgrasses Flowers are Something to Buzz About

Dan Industry News Release, Pollinators, USDA-ARS

(USDA/ARS) — Turfgrasses sometimes get a “bad rap” for not giving our bees and other insect pollinators a helping hand on the food front. But Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and University of Georgia (UGA) studies suggest this reputation is unfair—and at least five different genera of bees would agree! In the world, 70 percent of the main crops used for …

attracting birds

Ornamental Grasses to Grow that are the Best for Birds

Dan Nursery Crops, Pollinators, This Land of Ours

Some of the best ornamental grasses for birds.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Songbirds need to eat. Add ornamental grasses to your garden for multiseason color, texture, and food sources for a host of birds. Switch grass are vigorus plants. They are prized for their reddish-purple summer color that fades to tan in fall. Birds love to …