Farm Thefts Could Draw Heftier Penalties

Dan Cattle, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

Getting caught stealing a registered beehive would have a deeper sting under a measure advancing in the Senate. The Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday unanimously approved a proposal (SB 776) that would boost the criminal fine for theft of a commercially farmed animal or a bee colony from $5,000 to $10,000. Committee Chairwoman Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, said increased fines are …

USDA to Survey Farmers’ Planting Intentions for 2018

Dan Field Crops, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, USDA-NASS

As the 2018 crop production season begins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact producers nationwide to determine their plans for the upcoming growing season. “Each year, the agriculture industry eagerly awaits USDA’s Prospective Plantings report, which provides the first survey-based estimates of U.S. farmers’ planting intentions for the year,” said NASS’ Southern Regional …

What’s New For Crop Insurance?

Dan Economy, Field Crops, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops

Producers are encouraged to find out what’s new for crop insurance this year before the upcoming deadlines. Stephanie Ho has the story. What’s New For Crop Insurance?-1 Rob Johansson, Acting Deputy Under-secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, explains why crop insurance is an important part of the farm safety net. What’s New For Crop Insurance?-2 Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board …

Farm Disaster Relief on the Way After Irma’s Devastation

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Field Crops, Industry News Release, Legislative, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops

State lawmakers continue to craft tax relief for Florida’s storm-battered citrus industry, as President Donald Trump signed off Friday on billions of dollars in much-anticipated federal disaster relief. A spending bill approved by Congress and Trump includes nearly $90 billion for disaster relief, with $2.36 billion aimed at assisting the agriculture industry for losses from Hurricane Irma in Florida, Hurricane …

Agri View: Florida Peaches

Dan Agri View, Fruits

Everett Griner talks about Florida Peaches, possible a new crop for Florida, in today’s Agri View. Florida Peaches I recently did an article about Georgia farmers growing citrus fruit. Well, now I have a feature story about growing peaches in Florida. The stories are very similar. The practice is very limited at this time. But, it is fairly certain that …

Agri View: Healthy Eating

Dan Agri View, Fruits, Vegetables

Everett Griner talks about healthy eating, something few Americans properly do, in today’s Agri View. Healthy Eating OK, how much fruit and vegetables do you eat eat each day? Not enough? Well, the Center for Disease Control recently did a very new study. Based on what they found out the vast majority of Americans fall way short of the recommended …

Georgia Blueberry Growers to Vote on Continuation of Assessment for Market Order

Dan Fruits, Georgia, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

Starting March 1, Georgia blueberry growers will have the opportunity to vote on renewing the grower assessment, which funds the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Blueberries. The Commission is charged by law with providing programs of research, promotion and education on behalf of Georgia blueberry growers. Most of the funds received by the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Blueberries are …

Agri View: Banner Pecan Nut Year

Dan Agri View, Fruits

Everett Griner talks about Whole pecan nut industry growing in today’s Agri View. Banner Pecan Nut Year Now, Georgia’s 2017 pecan crop was almost a record breaker until that destructive Hurricane Irma tore through. Things were not that bad in the western states. Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas. They had a very productive season. But, this report is about …