Farmers Gain Improved Access to Small Business Support as PPP Reopens

(NMPF) — The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is pleased that farmers who run their operations as sole proprietors, independent contractors, or otherwise self-employed individuals will have newly expanded access as soon as today to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under changes made in the COVID stimulus package Congress approved last month. Producers who were denied PPP loans or whose …

Farmers to Families Food Box Program Purchases to Continue

(USDA/AMS) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will purchase an additional $1.5 billion worth of food for nationwide distribution through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. In total, USDA has distributed more than 132 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “This new round of …

How to Choose a Ripe Winter Squash

How to choose a ripe winter squash.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Choosing a ripe winter squash is a bit hard to do if you’ve never done it before. The problem is squash doesn’t get brown spots or soften very easily like apples, pears, and bananas do. But, its color does start to change color as it …

Heat Brings Out Antioxidants, Increases Red in Tomatoes

(UF/IFAS) — Turn up the heat, and get more nutrition from your tomato, University of Florida researchers say. Furthermore, when you buy a tomato, it will be about as red as it can be, thanks to the UF/IFAS methods deployed for the study. The findings are crucial to an industry in which Florida ranks second to California in tomato production …

Flowers that can be Planted Near a Vegetable Garden

The flowers you should plant near your veggies in the garden.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’re feeling discouraged by the long list of plants you can’t grow near your vegetable garden, don’t worry. There are plenty of other options you can choose from, including the classic stand-bys of marigolds, petunias, and nasturtiums. These flowers are …

Flowers that Shouldn’t be Planted Near a Vegetable Garden

The flowers you shouldn’t plant near your vegetable garden.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Whether you’re planting flower companion plants or trap crops, there are some plants that simply should not be mixed. Certain flower bulbs, such as those that resemble garlic or onions, could be mistaken for the plants you can eat. Oleander and Foxglove, while …

USTR Calls for Investigation of Imported Squash and Cucumbers

Action Follows Recent Blueberry, Strawberry and Bell Pepper USTR Initiatives (GFVGA) — Friday, December 4, 2020. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued a letter to the Chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) requesting investigations into the import of cucumbers and squash and the effect on the domestic seasonal markets. The request is to investigate the monthly price trends, including an analysis and …

Fruits and Veggies You Should Never Store Together

Some fruits and veggies you should never store together.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Storing your food properly is one of the keys to extending its life. However, some produce shouldn’t be stored together because of the Ethylene gas that is emitted as the foods ripen. Most plants produce ethylene, but the amount varies based on the …