USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Applications Being Accepted in Alabama

Dan Alabama, Economy, Specialty Crops, USDA

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has announced they are accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets in the state. The application deadline for these grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is May 3, 2021. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits and vegetables, …

Edible Plants You Can Grow in Bog or Marshy Soil

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

Edible plants you can grow in a bog or marshy soil. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When you have a sunken, wet area on your property. Plant edible bog plants instead of those that prefer drier soils. Try to plant species indigenous to your area whenever possible. One of the most popular edible bog plants is cranberries. It’s …

Alabama Hemp Industry Still Growing

Clint Thompson Alabama, Hemp

While the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is still in the process of approving applications for the 2021 hemp growing season, early reports show an increase in the number of growers interested in hemp production in Alabama. But according to an article from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), Katelyn Kesheimer, Extension entomologist and leader of the hemp …

AFBF President Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee

Dan Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Environment, Field Crops, Forestry, Fruits, Legislative, Livestock, Marketing, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall provided testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Climate Change and the U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Sectors. Here is his written testimony: Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and I am pleased to offer this …

Rules Clarified for Buying / Selling Seeds and Plants Online From Other Countries

Dan Field Crops, Nursery Crops, Seeds, Specialty Crops, USDA-APHIS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is providing additional guidance to help online buyers and sellers comply with U.S. laws when they import seeds and live plants from other countries. The information, available on the APHIS website, is essential to help protect critical U.S. agriculture infrastructure and natural resources from potential invasive pest and disease …

Virtual Commodity Classic Coming in March

Dan Corn, Cotton, Education, Field Crops, Fruits, Hemp, Herbs, Nursery Crops, Organic, Peanuts, Pecans, Soybeans, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Wheat

The 2021 Special Edition of Commodity Classic will be delivered digitally March 2-5, 2021, and during this special event, three Executive Roundtables will be held. Some of the top executives in agribusiness will discuss what the next 20 years will look like in American agriculture. The first roundtable will take place on March 3 and will feature top executives from …

Saturated Soils: Georgia Farmers Sidelined Due to Wet Weather

Clint Thompson Georgia, Vegetables, Weather

Georgia farmers are sidelined right now because of excessive rainfall in January and February. This could become problematic with planting season just around the corner. “We’re at or above saturated conditions right now all around. Any extra rainfall we’re getting right now, we’re losing to run-off. Our ponds and reservoirs and creeks are all at full capacity. I don’t think …

Intriguing and Flavorful Ingredient Used for Cooking

Dan Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

A very intriguing and flavorful ingredient you should be cooking with. That’s coming up This Land of Ours. If you haven’t seen it or cooked with it, Black Garlic is gaining popularity. It’s as dark as molasses, as soft and spreadable as room-temperature butter, and as earthy and meaty in essence as caramelized mushrooms. Black garlic tastes distinctly sweet and …