American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall made the following statement on the recent federal district court ruling regarding the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule: “A federal district court ruling in Georgia late last week has effectively suspended the flawed ‘Waters of the United States’ rule from taking effect in 11 more states that challenged its legality. …
Water Policy Key for Next Agriculture Commissioner
Maintaining Florida’s water supply, while balancing the growing needs of residents, farmers, tourists and businesses, is a priority for the candidates seeking to replace Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. The issue involves helping preserve diverse ecosystems, such as the Everglades and natural springs, without scuttling the economy. Candidates for agriculture commissioner are putting forward a variety of ideas, from continuing …
ARS Scientists Are Working to Ensure Safe Waterways in Georgia
Scientists with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are developing ways to identify the sources of any potentially harmful bacteria found in the surface waters around Athens, Georgia. The effort is part of an ongoing project to ensure the quality of the area’s waterways, according to Jonathan Frye, an ARS microbiologist in Athens. Volunteers have been collecting water in the Upper Oconee …
Farm Bureau Files Brief Supporting Water Rule Opponents
The American Farm Bureau Federation, together with a broad coalition of other farm and business groups, filed a brief in support of 13 states challenging the EPA’s 2015 “Waters of the United States” rule before a federal district court in North Dakota. The brief explains how EPA repeatedly broke the law in writing a rule that would vastly expand its …
Georgia Governor Signs Agribusiness Legislation into Law
With a long list of legislation impacting agribusiness, Georgia Governor Deal never hesitated in signing every one of them. We are grateful for the legislators and Governor Deal for their support of our state’s ag and forestry interests. Here’s the quick summary of new ag laws starting July 1, 2018: GATE: Much needed changes to the GATE program are included in HB …
EWP Program Funding Helps in Aftermath of Hurricanes
Hurricane season is officially underway, and forecasters are predicting another busy season this year. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants landowners to know that if your area does suffer damage from a natural disaster, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) can help. Program Funding Helps in Aftermath of Hurricanes Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement …
UF Survey: Homeowners Want to Keep Their Lawns Lush and Conserve Water
Homeowners who irrigate want a beautiful lawn, and they’re more than willing to conserve water, a new University of Florida survey shows. It’s not a matter of a lush lawn versus saving a precious commodity. They also want a landscape with pollinators, one that helps preserve the environment and one on which they can lie in a hammock for peace …
Agri View: Use of Water on the Farm
Everett Griner talks about farm water use in today’s Agri View. He asks some serious questions and discusses what would happen if farmers had no water. Use of Water on the Farm Water, water, water. How frequently and how much do you use? Think about it now. Personal use. Watering our lawns. Many kinds of recreational use. How much would …
Peanut Grower Concerned with Wet Conditions
Wet conditions are hampering peanut planting right now, and more rain is on the way. Tyron Spearman talks with a Georgia grower who is concerned about the conditions. Peanut Grower Concerned with Wet Conditions Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As …
USDA Invests $256 Million in Water Infrastructure in Rural Communities
Investments Will Support 81 Projects in 35 States Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $256 million in 81 projects (PDF, 233 KB) to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas in 35 states. “No matter what zip code you live in, infrastructure is a foundation for quality of …