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
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
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
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 ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Tasty Fruits that Ripen in the Springtime
The tasty fruits that ripen in the Spring. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. While spring is much appreciated for the blooming of flowers, and the buzzing of bees, it’s also time when several fruity favorites reach their pinnacle. Apricots are a delicious late spring treat. In Southern California, they can be found as early this month with …
USDA Invests Millions in Specialty Crops Grants, Incentives to Purchase Fruits and Vegetables, and Help for Cotton Producers
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
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
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
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
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 …