The House Ag Committee held a 2018 Farm Bill hearing last weekend in Florida. Farm groups and producers attended the session hoping to influence legislators as they put the new bill together. A Pork Network Dot Com article says the top of mind concerns included the farm safety net, agricultural research, and marketing. The upcoming renegotiation of the North American …
Sugar Deal Sparks Twitter Debate
One of the less incendiary tweets sent out last week by President Trump had to do with the American sugar industry, making corn and sugar lobbyists happy. Trump tweeted, “New sugar deal negotiated with Mexico is a good one for both Mexico and the U.S. Had no deal for many years, which hurt U.S. badly.” The deal announced last month …
Agri View: Tree Fruit Standard
Everett Griner talks about why the tree fruit crops are not up to standards in today’s Agri View. I think it is safe to say that most of us are all happy with last winter’s weather. It was a mild winter, to say the least. But, it proved costly to fruit farmers all along the southern tier of …
Agri View: Social Event
Everett Griner talks about how one Southern social event has evolved in today’s Agri View. Well, we have all seen changes. Every generation faces alterations in their lives. And, ultimately fade from memory, and, changes our society. You see, up until the late 1950’s sugar cane was a critical crop over the south. Not a big crop. A …
Florida Commissioner’s Spotlight: FRESH! Recipe-Watermelon Fizz
On this week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam is joined by Executive Chef Justin Timineri to talk about a sparkling new drink featuring a summertime favorite – Watermelon Fizz. You can follow Florida Commissioner Adam Putnam on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Discover more by visiting FreshFromFlorida.com. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and …
Research on Pests and Beneficial Species Funding from USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced 21 grants totaling $7.6 million for research to help manage pests and beneficial species that affect agricultural crops. The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “There continues to be a critical need to …
UF/IFAS’ Crane Honored by Horticultural Society
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences As a scientist and tropical fruit Extension specialist, Jonathan Crane has spent most of his adult life trying to help South Florida farmers grow crops in the Sunshine State’s hot, humid weather. In recognition of Crane’s work, the Florida State Horticultural Society has honored the University of Florida Institute …
Picking Your Produce in a Grocery Store Farm
Instead of going to the field to pick your vegetables, herbs or spices, what about the grocery store? Cathy Isom tells us about the company that wants to put a farm in every grocery store. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The way we eat food, how we eat it, and also how we buy it, is constantly changing. …
Agri View: Raising a New Improved Potato
Everett Griner talks about the scientist working on producing a newly improved potato in today’s Agri View. Now if we rated vegetables for quality, health, and taste, it wouldn’t even be close. Given the vast selection, we have to choose from, the potato would win hands down. Not just in America, but all over the world. …
Southern Region Noncitrus Fruit and Nut
Key findings for the Southern Region: Avocados: Florida’s utilized production is down 13 percent from 2015 and the associated value of production is down 7 percent. The Laurel Wilt disease continues to have a negative impact on Florida avocado groves. Blueberries: The value of utilized production for the United States is down 13 percent for 2016. Georgia’s utilized production is …