If you are a lazy gardener, Cathy Isom has some edible plants you can grow without doing much work. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When it comes to gardening if time is short or perhaps patience it’s probably best to choose edible plants that don’t require a lot of your attention. The good news, there …
Putnam Speaks to Florida Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam joined Governor Rick Scott to discuss the recent agricultural damage caused by Hurricane Irma and to request federal assistance. The following are excerpts from his remarks: “The Florida delegation has a long history of coming together in the aftermath of these types of disasters and bringing the full weight of the third largest …
Grow Kale in the Winter
Cathy Isom has some interesting tips about the green veggie you can grow in the winter. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When cold winter temperatures set in, there is one green vegetable that doesn’t mind the chill. Kale, and other members of the Brassica oleracea family like broccoli and cabbage, thrive in colder weather. Kale can …
Make Your Own Hard Apple Cider
Cathy Isom has some tips about how you can make your own hard apple cider from this year’s harvest. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. For anyone growing their own apples, it can be challenging keeping up with a fall harvest. Instead of the usual daily servings of this juicy fruit sliced and dipped in peanut butter …
Putnam Announces Preliminary Florida Agricultural Damages Due to Hurricane Irma Total $2.5 Billion
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that the preliminary agricultural damages caused by Hurricane Irma in Florida total more than $2.5 billion. In an initial report released today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimated losses for each segment of agriculture. The preliminary economic assessments account for current crop losses and ancillary losses, such as debris …
USDA-NIFA to Invest in Specialty Crop Research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the Fiscal Year 2018 funding for research and extension activities to enhance productivity, safety, and innovation in the specialty crop industry. Funding is made through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “To be competitive in a global market, U.S. specialty crop …
APHIS to Allow the Importation of Fresh Persimmons from New Zealand
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending its regulations to allow the importation of fresh persimmons from New Zealand into the United States. After analyzing the potential plant pest risks, APHIS scientists determined that persimmons from New Zealand can be safely imported into the United States under a systems approach. A systems approach …
Heat-Tolerant Broccoli for the Future
Traditionally, broccoli is a cool-weather crop. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are looking to change that by developing new varieties that grow in warm temperatures. ARS plant geneticist Mark Farnham and his team in Charleston, South Carolina, have developed and characterized the genetic sources of broccoli’s heat tolerance. Theoretical and Applied Genetics published these results in March 2017. The team, led by ARS geneticist Sandra …
Every Winery Needs a Dog
Cathy Isom gives us several of the reasons why a winery needs a dog. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. No matter what the breed, whether it is a Labrador, Border Collie, Weimaraner, or that adorable rescue, every operating vineyard should have a four-legged friend. And not just to charm the guests who come around for …
NRCS Reminder of Programs Helping with Irma Recovery Efforts
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind farmers and ranchers affected by Hurricane Irma, that they have programs which can that provide assistance. This includes the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration …