USDA Invests Millions in Specialty Crops Grants, Incentives to Purchase Fruits and Vegetables, and Help for Cotton Producers

Dan Cotton, Fruits, Specialty Crops, USDA, Vegetables

USDA Also Informs Dairy Producers and Processors about New Dairy Donation Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of more than $330 million to help agricultural producers and organizations in the food supply chain recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding announced today is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative launched …

A Few Tips and Tricks for Growing the Tastiest Tomatoes

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

Some tips and tricks for the tastiest tomatoes. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The extra attention you give your tomato plants right now could pay off with some of the tastiest tomatoes when it’s harvest time. For healthy plants and soil, use organic fertilizer and compost every week to keep plants supplied with nutrients. Remove damaged plants and any …

GDA Produce Safety Alliance April Virtual Training Session

Dan Coronavirus, Field Crops, Fruits, Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) wants producers to know they have scheduled another 2-day virtual Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. According to GDA Produce Safety Education and Outreach Coordinator Maggie Brown, sign up for that virtual training is underway. This Grower Training Course satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that requires at least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have …

Perennial Plant to Grow that Keeps on Giving and Giving

Dan Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

That perennial plant you can grow that keeps on giving and giving. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Chaya (SHY-uh), or Tree Spinach, is a fast-growing and leafy perennial shrub used in many South American dishes and cuisines. With high levels of vitamins and minerals, tree spinach is ideal for survival gardens because it’s loaded with calcium, phosphorus, and …

How to Help in the Fight Against Destructive Pest

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Nursery Crops, Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, USDA, Vegetables

How to help in the fight against destructive pests that threaten the nation’s food supply, forests, and natural resources. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is on a mission to stop invasive and hungry pests that can threaten and devastate agriculture, livelihoods, and food security. Some things you can do to help include:  Familiarizing yourself with the …

Growing Matters Launches 2021 BeSure! Stewardship Campaign

Dan Field Crops, General, Nursery Crops, Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops

An agriculture industry collaboration, led by Growing Matters, wants everyone to be BeSure! when using neonicotinoid products on farms and urban landscapes. They are kicking off the third annual stewardship awareness campaign to promote best management practices. The BeSure! Campaign is reminding farmers, crop protection applicators, agricultural supply retailers, and others to ensure label directions and responsible stewardship measures are followed for neonicotinoid products, …

Warning About Invasive and Destructive Pests

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Nursery Crops, Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, USDA, Vegetables

The warning about invasive and destructive pests and why the Ag Department is asking for your help this month. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared April “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. And, it needs everyone’s help fighting against invasive pests that pose a threat to the nation’s …

Spotting, Stopping, and Prevent Some Destructive Pests

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Nursery Crops, Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

How to spot, stop, and prevent some destructive pests in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Armyworms are pesky pests that eat grass, vegetables, and ornamentals, destroying entire plants quickly. Armyworms aren’t worms. They’re the caterpillars of several moth species. The markings are hard to distinguish and tell apart from other larvae species. There are several …