TALLAHASSEE, FL (NSF-September 17, 2019) — Florida farmers might not be held back from planting hemp next year even if the federal government has not signed off on long-awaited rule changes. Holly Bell, Florida’s director of cannabis, told the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday that, if all goes well, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ permitting for hemp …
Why, When, and How to Prune Your Blueberries
If you have blueberries planted in your yard, or garden, then you probably ask yourself about pruning. Cathy Isom gives you a few tips about why, when, and how to prune blueberries. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Pruning is an essential part of growing any fruit crop. Pruning encourages the healthy growth of the blueberry bush. It …
USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for 2019 Crop
ATHENS, GA (USDA/NASS-September 12, 2019) — During the last week of September, pecan growers will receive a survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a look into the 2019 pecan production forecast. “The pecan industry is a big player, especially in southern agriculture and it is crucial for us to have …
A Few Plants to Grow that Are Hard to Kill
Whether you have a green thumb or not, Cathy Isom fills you in about several choices of plants that are hard to kill. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. You don’t have to have a green thumb or even a lot of time to raise plants. Perhaps you’re afraid you’ll kill everything you touch? The good news is …
Three Alabama Counties Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Sept. 10, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated three Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Dale, Geneva, and Henry counties who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster …
Holmes County, Florida Designated as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Sept. 10, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Holmes County, Florida, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend …
Planning the Perfect Herbal and Flower Tea Garden
The question is, what to plant with herbal tea? In todays program, Cathy Isom is giving you the answer to planning the perfect tea garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’re a big tea drinker or if you’re looking for a way to supplement your medicine cabinet on the cheap, it may be time to consider …
UF/IFAS Economist: Hurricane Dorian’s Impact on Florida Agriculture Minimal
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — One day after Hurricane Dorian crept past Florida’s Atlantic coast, impacts to the state’s agricultural and natural resources-based industries appear to be minimal, according to an economist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. As of Thursday noon, the most notable effects were minor grapefruit losses in the Indian River area, a …
USDA to Survey Fruit Growers about Chemical Use
Athens, GA (USDA/NASS) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey fruit growers in 11 states, including Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, for its biennial Fruit Chemical Use Survey. The survey will collect information on bearing acreage, pest management practices, pesticide application, acres treated and rates applied for more than 12 fruit crops. “Pesticide data …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Issues Emergency Orders & Actions for Hurricane Dorian
Tallahassee, FL (FDACS) — Ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s expected impact to Florida,Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried has issued a series of emergency orders and actions to provide critical assistance to Florida’s residents and industries. The emergency orders and actions include the following: Emergency Order 2019-003, which suspends portions of the Motor Fuel Marketing Act that prohibits fuel retailers from selling gasoline below the …