Holmes County, Florida Designated as a Primary Natural Disaster Area

Dan Cattle, Economy, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, Fruits, Industry News Release, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Pollinators, Seeds, Specialty Crops, Vegetables, Weather

Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Sept. 10, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Holmes County, Florida, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.  This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend …

UF/IFAS Economist: Hurricane Dorian’s Impact on Florida Agriculture Minimal

Dan Field Crops, Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops, Vegetables, Weather

GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — One day after Hurricane Dorian crept past Florida’s Atlantic coast, impacts to the state’s agricultural and natural resources-based industries appear to be minimal, according to an economist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. As of Thursday noon, the most notable effects were minor grapefruit losses in the Indian River area, a …

USDA to Survey Fruit Growers about Chemical Use

Dan Citrus, Fruits, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops, USDA-NASS

Athens, GA (USDA/NASS) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey fruit growers in 11 states, including Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, for its biennial Fruit Chemical Use Survey. The survey will collect information on bearing acreage, pest management practices, pesticide application, acres treated and rates applied for more than 12 fruit crops. “Pesticide data …

Commissioner Nikki Fried Issues Emergency Orders & Actions for Hurricane Dorian

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, Fruits, Industry, Industry News Release, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Pollinators, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

Tallahassee, FL (FDACS) — Ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s expected impact to Florida,Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried has issued a series of emergency orders and actions to provide critical assistance to Florida’s residents and industries. The emergency orders and actions include the following:  Emergency Order 2019-003, which suspends portions of the Motor Fuel Marketing Act that prohibits fuel retailers from selling gasoline below the …

USDA Encourages Ag Producers, Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Dorian

Dan Cattle, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, Fruits, General, Georgia, Industry, Industry Videos-Promoting Agriculture, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Pollinators, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables

WASHINGTON (USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Dorian that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help. In a continuing effort to serve the public, USDA partnered with …

Millions in Agricultural Crops at Risk as Dorian Approaches Florida

Dan Alabama, Cattle, Citrus, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, Fruits, General, Georgia, Industry, Industry News Release, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Water, Weather

GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — If Hurricane Dorian makes landfall mid-way up Florida’s Atlantic Coast – as many models predicted Thursday afternoon – the storm could devastate not only Central Florida tourist destinations, but also the region’s agricultural areas, which include significant acreage devoted to citrus, vegetable, ornamental plant and cattle production. Economists and Extension faculty with the University of Florida …

Growing Big, Red, Juicy, Beefsteak Tomatoes

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

In today’s program, Cathy Isom tells a bit about growing your own beefsteak tomatoes. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Beefsteaks are the biggest type of tomato, with fruit often weighing over a pound. These big, red, juicy, tomatoes have thick, plump flesh that’s nothing short of a taste sensation. The large, meaty fruit of the beefsteak tomato …