senators

USDA Expands Insurance Options for Specialty and Organic Growers

Dan Crop Insurance, Economy, Organic, Specialty Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is expanding crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers beginning with the 2025 crop year. The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding coverage options by allowing enterprise units by organic farming practice, adding enterprise unit eligibility for several crops, and making additional policy updates. This is the first of …

USDA August Crop Report

USDA Expands Funding Opportunities for Specialty Crop Growers

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Funding, Specialty Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is expanding funding opportunities for specialty crop growers. The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) Program will now include both medium-size and small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification.  The program has also been expanded to include …

cherry harvest

Michigan Cherry Production Keeps National Totals Up

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, USDA-NASS

It’s cherry pie season, and Michigan is the nation’s top grower of tart cherries – the favorite pick for those pies. Nationally, the outlook for production this year is 222,000,000 pounds. Lance Honing of USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) says much of that is thanks to Michigan. “Out of those 222,000,000 pounds, they account for 182 million pounds of …

tart

More Tart Cherries to be Produced this Season

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops

Around the 4th of July, many folks think about cherry pies. And when it comes to cherry production this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting a year over year increase in tart cherry production. Rod Bain has more on that, along with a look at this season’s sweet cherry production. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in …

Maple Syrup

More Maple Syrup This Year

Dan Economy, Specialty Crops, Sugar, This Land of Ours

Some would call it a breakfast staple. Why there’s more maple syrup coming this season. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The latest USDA outlook on maple syrup production indicates more product this season after a year-over-year production rebound. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …

plenty

Sweet Cherry Production Report

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

There’s good news for cherry lovers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. How does the addition of a state impact this season’s sweet cherry production forecast from USDA? Rod Bain tells us. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle …

wildfires

Wildfires Threaten CA Wine Country

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops

Wine enthusiasts around the nation know the reputation of wines from California’s Napa Valley, but those wine grapes and the farmers who grow them, are in constant peril each summer because of area wildfires. We caught up with Fisher Wines CEO Rob Fisher, as two fires burned within a hundred miles of his land. The Point Fire in Sonoma County …

Tracking Various Agricultural Commodities

Dan Biofuels/Energy, Commodities, Economy, Specialty Crops

As the markets re-open today after the holiday weekend, Mark Oppold looks at how some of the agricultural commodities have performed so far this year.  Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, …

Weather Patterns Affecting Crop Status

Dan Field Crops, Specialty Crops, Weather

Some farmers are a bit behind in planting crops this season, while those with seed in the ground are benefiting from the recent rains. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education …

Georgia Agricultural

Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions Seek Nominations

Dan Agri-Business, Field Crops, Fruits, Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

(Atlanta, GA/May 8,2024) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has announced that 12 of Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations from producers to serve on their respective commissions. Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website and will be accepted until May 24, 2024. The Georgia Department of Agriculture administers these commissions, which oversee farmer-funded programs dedicated …