The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) wants to remind eligible hemp growers and processors/handlers the deadline to apply for a hemp license for the 2021 crop is November 30, 2020 by 5:00 pm (CST). ADAI will accept hemp applications using their new online application system: agi.alabama.gov/hempapp. In 2016, the Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, Section 2-8-380 …
A Few Natural, Healthy Benefits of Growing Beets
The healthy benefits of beets. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’re looking for a natural way that may help you lose weight, or lower blood pressure, and improve overall athletic performance, among other things, then beets might be your new best friend. There are so many healthful benefits beets are known for. Including fighting inflammation, supporting …
More COVID-19 Tests for Florida Ag Workers
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently announced updates to COVID-19 testing sites in Hendry, Miami-Dade, Collier and St. Lucie counties for farmworkers. The effort to provide access to no-cost testing for farmworkers is part of a partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and county governments. Testing services will continue as …
Growing a Gorgeous Flower for Both Food and Medicine
Growing a gorgeous flower that has both food and medicine uses. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Multi-purpose plants are invaluable. Especially when you can maximize your harvests in more ways than one. The Purple Passion Flower is the perfect example. You can eat the fruits, flowers and leaves, and it’s an absolute pleasure to grow. The flowers …
Get Florida Freeze Updates With Winter Weather Watch
By Chris Oswalt There was a time back in 1962, on Dec. 12 and 13, when a devastating freeze in Florida decimated a significant portion of the state’s citrus industry. In Polk County, the freeze caused serious damage to 134,000 acres of citrus. In 1963, citrus growers were concerned about receiving timely weather information and frost warning bulletins. Back then, …
Popular UF/IFAS Vegetable Gardening Guide now Available in Spanish
(UF/IFAS) — With COVID-19 lingering, it might be a good time to use your green thumb to grow some vegetables in your garden. While you’re at it, you can get help from the UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide — now also in Spanish — and as a downloadable web app. Because we’re nearing the holidays, let’s look at some vegetables you …
Best Defensive Plants to Keep Your Garden Safe
Some of the best defensive plants to keep your home and garden safe. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Natural plant barriers made up of defensive plants can be used as a source of protection on your property. Usually, modern fencing like an aluminum fence installation is used to keep animals in certain areas and can also be …
Winter Pruning Tips to Get the Job Done Right
Some winter pruning tips to get the job done right. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are a few things to know about pruning to get the job done right. For example, plan to prune on a mild, dry day when it hasn’t rained or snowed recently. You may consult a tree service expert to determine the …
Plants that Should Be Pruned in the Wintertime
Why you should prune in the wintertime and which plants need it. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Pruning is an essential part of plant care, but you must take care to prune at the correct time of year. Some plants require winter pruning when they’re dormant. This preps your plants to focus on growing flowers and fruit …
NCBA Highlights Beef and Produce Pairings on Healthy Plates with #UnitedOnThePlate Partnership
Beef Checkoff partners with Produce for Better Health Foundation to showcase how pairing beef with vegetables and fruits boosts flavor and health (NCBA) — In an effort to continue to highlight beef’s place on the plate, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, has partnered with the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) to celebrate how …