Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Up 20% per Farm Bureau Survey

Dan American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Economy, Field Crops, Fruits, Pork, Poultry, Specialty Crops, USDA-AMS, Vegetables

(AFBF/WASHINGTON, November 16, 2022) — Spending time with family and friends at Thanksgiving remains important for many Americans and this year the cost of the meal is also top of mind. American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 37th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10, which is $64.05 or less than …

A Rise in Cranberry Production

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops

One specialty crop we don’t mention much is cranberries. And while the majority of those are grown outside of the Southeast, it’s the time of the year many households are thinking about them being a part of their Thanksgiving meal. Rod Bain reports production is up this year, and that is mainly led by the two largest cranberry growing states. …

Robert E. Saunders Named 2022 Swisher/Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year

Dan Field Crops, Fruits, Specialty Crops

(Moultrie, GA/Oct. 18, 2022) — Robert E. Saunders, a multi-generational farmer from Piney River, Virginia, who grows woody ornamentals, annuals, perennials, field ornamentals, grafted trees, peaches, nectarines, apples, and Asian pears, has been selected as the overall winner of the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award for 2022. Growing up on a family farm as one of seven …

Florida Commissioner Nikki Fried on UF/IFAS Preliminary Agricultural Damage Assessment

Dan Aquaculture, Cattle, Citrus, Dairy, Economy, Field Crops, Florida, Fruits, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

(FDACS/GAINESVILLE, FL/Oct. 18, 2022) — The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) released a preliminary assessment of the agricultural production losses associated with Hurricane Ian. The report, which considered crops, livestock, and animal products, estimates a potential loss of up to $1.56 billion for Florida producers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (FDACS) is expected to release its …

Florida Ag Producers Impacted by Hurricane Ian May be Eligible for Emergency Conservation Program Assistance

Dan Aquaculture, Cattle, Economy, Field Crops, Florida, Fruits, Hemp, Herbs, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Pollinators, Specialty Crops, Sugar, USDA-FSA, Vegetables

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 …

Strawberry Season Lasting Longer

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

Peak strawberry season is lasting a little longer in one growing area. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. California strawberry production is expected to hit its second-highest season on record, extending peak season well into fall. As the country’s leading producer of strawberries growing 90% of all strawberries produced in the U.S., consumers can expect to see abundant …

Farmers Try to Sort Out Hurricane Damage

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

(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 …

Florida Commissioner Nikki Fried Shares USDA Disaster Assistance Programs for Agricultural Producers, Urges Early Reporting of Losses

Dan Aquaculture, Beef, Cattle, Citrus, Corn, Cotton, Crop Insurance, Dairy, Economy, Eggs, Equine, Field Crops, Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Forestry, Fruits, Hemp, Herbs, Industry, Livestock, Pasture, Peanuts, Pecans, Pork, Poultry, Sheep-Goats, Soybeans, Specialty Crops, Sugar, USDA, USDA-FSA, USDA-NRCS, Vegetables, Weather, Wheat

(FDACS/Tallahassee, FL/Sep 30, 2022) —  In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is sharing important resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist Florida agricultural producers who suffered losses due to the storm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by Hurricane Ian that USDA has multiple programs to provide assistance in the wake of …

Florida on Alert as Hurricane Ian Threatens

Dan Agri-Business, Cattle, Citrus, Corn, Cotton, Equine, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, Fruits, General, Hemp, Herbs, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Peanuts, Pollinators, Poultry, Soybeans, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

(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 …