Scientists Release First Map of Areas Suitable for Spotted Lanternfly Establishment in U.S. and World

WAPATO, WASHINGTON (USDA/ARS-October 3, 2019) — A map identifying the areas suitable for establishment of the spotted lanternfly (SLF) in the United States and other countries has been published in the Journal of Economic Entomology by Agricultural Research Service scientists. Areas in the United States that have been identified as possible spotted lanternfly habitat. The SLF, originally from China, has spread to Korea …

Gov. DeSantis Announces Early Termination of the Florida Crystals Lease on the STA Footprint of Lands Needed for Construction of the EAA Reservoir

Lease Termination is an Important Step in Meeting the Expedited Construction Schedule for the Reservoir Project Tallahassee, FL (Office of FL Gov. Ron DeSantis-Oct. 3, 2019)— Governor Ron DeSantis, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the early termination of the Florida Crystals Lease for the stormwater treatment area (STA) component …

USDA Invests $11M In Research That Will Support Specialty Crop Farmers

WASHINGTON (USDA-Oct. 3, 2019) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Scott Hutchins announced that the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has invested $11 million in research that will support specialty crop farmers. “This collaborative public-private research effort will focus on applying innovative solutions to pest management problems that often are otherwise not available to specialty …

Response to FDACS Open Burn Program Enhancements

Clewiston, FL (U.S. Sugar-Oct. 1, 2019) — In response to enhancements announced by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Nikki Fried, U.S. Sugar Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Judy Sanchez released the following statement: “We applaud Commissioner Nikki Fried, her staff and the Florida Forest Service for their thoughtful review of the state’s open …

How to Propagate Spider Plant Babies

Cathy Isom has a few tips for you about how to propagate spider plant babies. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Spider plants—also known as airplane plants—are some of the easiest houseplants to propagate. There are a few methods you can use, but the easiest way is to allow the spider plant babies to become full-grown plants. Spider …

Raised Bed Gardening Kid Friendly Veggies

What better way to teach a child where there food comes from than in a garden. Cathy Isom tells you about some kid friendly veggies to grow in a raised garden bed. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Raised vegetable garden beds are the perfect way to introduce children to growing fresh food on their own. Although you …

Best Edible Mushrooms You Can Grow

If you would like to try a different type of gardening, try growing a delicacy like a mushroom. Cathy Isom tells you about some of the best edible mushrooms you can grow at home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing your own edible mushrooms may seem difficult, even for an experienced gardener. However, it’s not that strange …

Alabama Industrial Hemp Program Registration Opens in October

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL (ACES-Sept. 25, 2019) — Registration for the 2020 Alabama Industrial Hemp Program opens Oct 7. Growers, processors, handlers and universities will have until Nov. 14 to submit applications. Documentation Required Dennis Delaney, team leader for Alabama Extension’s Hemp Action Team, said it is important applicants submit all required documentation as well the application fee. “Everyone must submit …

Senator David Perdue Leads Effort to Lower Indian Pecan Tariffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of Sen. David Perdue-Sept. 23, 2019) – U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and 11 senators on Friday sent a letter encouraging U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to prioritize a reduction in pecan tariffs as the Trump Administration continues trade negotiations with India. Senator Perdue was joined in sending the letter by …