Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service details the increase in fertilizer prices. Fertilizer represents an average of 36 percent of a farmer’s operating costs for corn, 35 percent for wheat, and 30 percent for sorghum, according to estimates by USDA. Fertilizer prices declined from 2014 through 2017 before a gradual increase in 2019. In late 2021, prices began to spike …
USDA to Survey Farmers’ Planting Intentions for 2022
With the 2022 crop production season soon to begin, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be contacting producers to determine their plans for the upcoming growing season. Later this month, NASS will mail survey questionnaires asking producers to provide information about the crops they intend to plant in 2022, how many acres they intend to plant, and the amounts of …
Problems that can Plague Your Fig Tree Crop
The problems that can plague your fig tree crop. That’s coming upon This Land of Ours. Growing figs are an absolute pleasure to grow. But, like anything else on the farm, they are susceptible to problems. Such as black or sour-smelling figs. This is caused by a bacteria or a few different yeasts. Insects usually spread these pathogens so the …
One Company Revolutionizing Farming One Seedling at a Time
How one company is revolutionizing farming one seedling at a time. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A fresh food and urban agricultural company is gaining momentum growing fresh, local, pesticide-free produce year round. You may have seen the Gotham Greens name brands on lettuces, herbs, salads and sauces. The company operates a handful of hydroponic greenhouse facilities …
Update for Producers Impacted by Freezing Temperatures Provided by Florida Ag Commissioner
Emergency Order Issued as Assessments Continue (Tallahassee, FL/February 4, 2022/FDACS) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) had staff in the fields as producers continue to assess damages caused by recent freezing temperatures and work to salvage impacted produce. On Thursday, the Florida Department of Transportation issued an emergency order helping farmers impacted by freezing temperatures to move as …
Ways to Add Unbeatable Texture to Your Garden
Several ways to add unbeatable texture to your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Wispy ornamental grasses are versatile plants in any landscape that can provide four seasons of interest. The most popular ornamental grass is feather reed grass. It offers a distance upright habit that looks fantastic all winter long. Fountain grass offers a graceful shape, …
Foreign Agriculture Service Working to Break Down Trade Barriers
Foreign Agriculture Service has led USDA’s day-to-day efforts to break down trade barriers and generate export opportunities for U.S. agriculture for 2021. They have tried to get peanuts accepted back into the European Union. These efforts also resulted in market access for U.S. pork to India, poultry to Venezuela, and apples and pears going into Argentina, among others. Tyron Spearman …
Key Elements to Perk Up a Bleak Winter Garden
How to perk up a bleak winter garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’re wanting to bring more life to your garden during the cold months in winter, consider these key elements: Focal Points, Color and Structure, and Fragrance. Focal points include sculpture, garden structures, such as ponds or arbors, boulders or containers. For a splash of …
Eggplant Varieties Best to Grow in a Home Garden
Some of the best eggplant varieties to grow at home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Eggplant is very easy to grow, easy to cook, delicious and nutritious. There are many varieties you can grow in your garden if you want to venture away from the common American eggplant found at your local grocery. More than a dozen …
Florida Producers Reminded of USDA Inclement Weather Disaster Assistance Ahead of Weekend Cold Front
(FDACS/Tallahassee, FL/January 28, 2022) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is sharing information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on federal disaster assistance for producers facing inclement weather as Florida is expected to see record cold temperatures this weekend. A cold front moving across the state is expected to bring record low temperatures, triggering a hazardous weather warning from the National Weather Service. …