UF/IFAS Pleased with New Budget

Dan Education, Research

The new fiscal year for the state of Florida officially began on July 1, meaning the new budget year is underway. And when Governor DeSantis signed the annual budget in early June, he did not veto any University of Florida or UF/IFAS funds. Mary Ann Hooks, director of governmental affairs for UF/IFAS, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman they were pleased with their final budget. …

NIFA Invests Over $5.4M in Bio-based Products Research

Dan Biofuels/Energy, Biotechnology, Research, USDA-NIFA

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced $5.4 million in bioprocessing, bioengineering, biofuels and biobased products research investments through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). They recently awarded $4.8 million for 12 Bioprocessing and Bioengineering grants under NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, and more than $600,000 for six Biofuels and Biobased Products grants under NIFA’s Small Business Innovation …

Ag Coalition Calls for More Ag Research Funding

Dan Research

A coalition of agriculture groups and universities calls on Congress and the Biden administration to increase funding for agricultural research. The groups say an increase of $40 billion is needed. In separate letters to President Joe Biden and House and Senate leadership, the groups say, “We strongly support a robust investment of at least $40 billion, for agricultural climate research, …

Inspect Your Irrigation System Regularly

Dan Citrus, Irrigation, Research

Throughout the year, it is a good practice to check your irrigation system for leaks, wear, corrosion, and other physical damage that can limit the efficiency of the system. When it comes to ensuring the integrity of your plumbing, having a trusted plumber like a Townsville plumber can provide peace of mind and expert solutions for any issues that arise. …

UF Researchers Use AI Datasets to Track Feral Pigs, Minimize Disease Risk

Dan Conservation, Pork, Research

University of Florida scientists are using artificial intelligence (AI) to track feral hogs’ reproduction and how they spread pathogens on Florida’s grazing lands. Feral pigs cost the agriculture industry at least $1.5 billion in damage, disease, and control costs around the United States annually. They run rampant on large swaths of grazing lands. The swine root in the soil and …

NIFA Invests Millions in Critical Research and Extension to Address Urgent Needs in Agriculture

Dan Cotton, Field Crops, Georgia, Nursery Crops, Research, USDA-NIFA

Two southern universities were recipients of funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It recently awarded more than $8.5 million in funding for 29 research and Extension grants that will advance solutions to critically important problems in U.S. agriculture. These grants, which are part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, include some …

New Research Finds Genetic Markers for Cattle Health, Growth

Dan Cattle, Research

New research efforts with cattle have found genetic markers which could help to improve breeding by giving ranchers desirable traits such as faster animal growth and greater resistance against disease. In a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study, researchers uncovered links between genetic markers in beef cattle and the development of health and growth-promoting bacteria in an animal’s gastrointestinal …

UF/IFAS, FDACS to Help Teach Science, Engineering Through Aquaculture

Dan Aquaculture, Education, Florida, Research

Through a $64,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm to Schools program, the University of Florida and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will help some Florida K-12 educators who teach science, technology, engineering, math, and agriculture start or strengthen aquaculture education programs. To apply for the program, follow the steps. The deadline for applications …

Researchers Help Expand Indoor Gardening Trend Triggered by Pandemic

Dan Coronavirus, Education, Florida, Fruits, Herbs, News from Our Sponsors, Research, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

(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 …