The USDA is expanding crop insurance options with a new grapevine insurance program. It will provide coverage for the loss of grafted vines caused by natural perils like frost or fire. The new program will also complement the grape crop insurance program that covers the fruit growing on the vine. “We strive to offer the strongest risk management resources for …
California Continues to Lead U.S. Peach Harvest
What state is the leader in peach production? The answer may surprise you. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. While Georgia is on many consumers’ minds when it comes to fresh, juicy peaches, California is by far the largest peach-producing state in the United States. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) reports that last year, California’s harvest yielded 475,000 …
Worm Farm Conference Dates Set
It’s an ag conference like no other. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The date is set for the 2024 U.S. Worm Farm Conference. More than 50 worm farms from all over the world will meet in Phoenix, AZ next January 11 and 12 at the Arizona Worm Farm for the third annual US Worm Business Conference. The …
Dry Conditions across Major Growing Areas
Tropical activity in the western part of the U.S. is causing many issues there. But according to a story from Mark Oppold, much of the country will experience dry conditions again this week.
GATES Act Aims to Include Larger Farms in Conservation Programs
The Growing Access to Environmental Sustainability (GATES) Act seeks to reduce barriers that producers face in accessing agricultural conservation programs. Congressman John Duarte, a farmer from California, is on the coalition behind the act. He says current adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations of $900,000 disproportionately limit producers with high input costs from participating in certain USDA conservation-focused programs. “That sounds …
Two Florida Black Farmers Get Marijuana Licenses
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL) — Two Florida Black farmers have received licenses to grow, process and sell medical marijuana, after a new state law helped clear the way for the long-awaited licenses. The Florida Department of Health issued the licenses July 11 to Suwannee County farmer Terry Donnell Gwinn and Bascom-based Shedrick McGriff. The farmers each met a Friday deadline to submit …
Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Seminar Program Released
The 2023 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is just four weeks away, and the seminar program is now available. Seminar sessions are a huge part of what makes the Expo a success. The two-day event will include a general session and concurrent citrus and vegetable/specialty crop sessions. The general session will kick off the seminars at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16th. Following …
High Production Costs Won’t Ease Next Year
USDA’s first cost of production forecast for major field crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, and others shows that input costs are expected to remain elevated into the next growing season. The costs will likely be at the third-highest level of all time and only slightly lower than the record high in 2022. While some input costs like fertilizer …
Sugar Policy and International Trade Topics of Discussion
The House Ways and Means Committee this week held a field hearing on trade with a focus on agriculture and critical supply chains. The hearing took place in Kimball, Minnesota on the farm of NCBA president Don Schiefelbein of Schiefelbein Farms. U.S. sugar policy and international sugar trade were among the topics of discussion, with Congressman Dan Kildee of Michigan …
Around the State with Commissioner Pate
In our weekly “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, Commissioner, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) recently hosted the 20th annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch at the Ed Teague Arena in Montgomery. Were you pleased with this year’s event? Again, to find a local farmers market near you, check out the Sweet Grown Alabama website, which includes a searchable …