USDA Crop Report Forecasts Are Within Industry Expectations

USDA released their October crop forecasts last Friday, and according to a story from Stephanie Ho, the corn and soybean numbers are within industry expectations. Here are key findings for the Southern Region from the October Crop Production report: Alabama: Corn area planted for all purposes is estimated at 340,000 acres, down 30,000 acres from the previous estimate. Production is forecast …

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USDA Announces Deadline to Submit Wildfire, Hurricane Disaster Assistance Applications

Final Opportunity for 2018 and 2019 Disaster Recovery Assistance (USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, as the deadline to submit applications for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus (WHIP+) for 2018 and 2019 losses. USDA did not originally specify a deadline when the program was announced. “The physical and financial loss experienced …

Sunbelt Ag Expo Monthly Blog Series

In September, the Sunbelt Ag Expo announced their new monthly blog series. Due to the fact this year’s Expo will not be held because of Covid-19, a decision was made to do a monthly online event. Each month a new topic will be presented, and this month they are discussing backyard gardening. The blog series takes place every Tuesday on …

Picking Through Peach Production Forecast

A few details pertaining to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) latest annual outlook on U.S. peach production indicates a bit lower production number for 2020. Rod Bain has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, 2026United Dairy Farmers of Florida Director Encouraged About the FutureMarch 27, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided Opportunity …

How to Tell if a Watermelon is Ripe

How to tell if a watermelon is ripe.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When picking a watermelon at the market the first way to tell if it’s ripe is by looking at its belly. This spot on a ripe watermelon will be yellowish and not white, which indicates an unripe melon. Using your knuckles, rap on the …

First Virtual Georgia Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training

The Georgia Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Team is offering a virtual two-day Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training via Zoom on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 from 8 a.m.-noon. Any produce grower who grows, packs, harvests and/or holds covered produce, makes more than $25,000 in annual produce sales (on average, based on the past three years of sales), and does …

Time to Start Growing Beets for Your Fall Garden

It’s time to start growing beets for your Fall garden.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Beets are easy to grow and help to feed the soil. If you have animals, you can grow beets to feed your animals, as well. As part of the spinach family, you can put beets anywhere you might place similar leafy greens. …

Best Late Season Tomato Varieties to Grow

The best late season tomato varieties to grow in your garden.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing tomatoes later in the season ensures you still have something to look forward to at the end of the summer. Late season varieties are those that produce a harvest 80 to 100 days after planting. They provide a nice bit …