Innovative Approaches to High Tunnel Systems in Florida

Dan Florida, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will invest $300,000 for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for high tunnel systems that improve weather resiliency and improve degraded plant conditions. Grants from $5,000 to $75,000 will be awarded to applicants matching those funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-federal sources that can include cash or in-kind contributions. U.S.-based non-federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply …

Florida Right to Farm Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Cover Crops, Field Crops, Florida, Fruits, Hemp, Herbs, Legislative, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Pecans, Pollinators, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Tree Nuts, Vegetables

Just hours after the Florida House gave final approval Thursday, a bill that would expand legal protections for farmers was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to the News Service of Florida, the House voted 110-7 to support expanding the state’s “Right to Farm” law, a top priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. The Senate passed the bill (SB …

Fertilizer Costs Shape Crop Production Expenses

Dan Economy, Field Crops, Fruits, Herbs, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reports production costs for corn and other major commodities are shaped by fertilizer cost. From 2010 to 2019, fertilizer was a major expense in U.S. corn production, accounting for 33 to 44 percent of operating costs-a category that includes other variable expenses like seed, chemicals, fuel, and repairs. Fertilizer also comprised 16 to …

Produce Union Unhappy with USDA’s Cancellation of Food Box Program

Dan Field Crops, Fruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

A trade group in the fruit and vegetable industry is unhappy with the USDA’s decision to cancel the Farmers to Families Food Box Distribution Program. United Fresh says millions of Americans gained access to healthy, fresh produce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the decision by Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack “shortsighted.” The group says comments disparaging the program were a slap …

Best Starter Veggies for the Beginner Home Gardener

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

The best starter veggies for the beginner home gardener. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’ve never gardened before, but want to give it a try this year, a great place to start is by choosing the appropriate veggies and fruits to grow that match your abilities. This means taking stock of your outdoor, or indoor, space, the …

What to Plant and More Importantly What Not to Plant Right Now

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Nursery Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

What to plant now, and more importantly what not to plant. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Seeds germinate based on the soil temperature at the seed level. If your area is still experiencing cooler weather, the seeds that can germinate right now are beets, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, leaf lettuce, peas, collards greens, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parsley, …

Farmers to Families Food Box Program Will End Soon

Dan Field Crops, Fruits, Herbs, Pecans, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Tree Nuts, USDA, Vegetables

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told House lawmakers Wednesday the Department of Agriculture is ending the Farmers to Families Food Box program. According to a story from Gary Crawford, it will end later this month. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundJuly 15, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024