The new farm bill is still being negotiated and worked out. There are some kinks to it, which is why its completion is taking longer than expected. However, one thing that most people can agree on is the importance of including research funding in the new farm bill. Hurricanes asides, research has greatly impacted the Florida citrus industry industry after …
Southern Plains Drought Becoming “Rapidly Dire”
The latest Drought Monitor released Thursday suggests the situation in the Southern Plains is becoming “rapidly dire.” February 14th marked the 124th consecutive day without rain in Amarillo, Texas, and the 98th consecutive day without measurable precipitation for Lubbock, Texas. The western half of Oklahoma and northern Texas are classified in an extreme drought, with nearly all of both states …
Seven Counties in Florida Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Madison and Washington counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by Hurricane Irma that occurred from Sept. 9, 2017, through Sept. 12, 2017. Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties of Bay, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Lafayette, …
The Status of Hurricane Relief Funding
Florida growers are still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Irma, which hit the state back in September 2017. Florida citrus took the biggest hit, with an estimation of approximately $760 million in damages. Since Irma, growers have been anxiously waiting on disaster relief funding so they can begin to rebuild. During the recent Taste of Florida reception in Tallahassee, …
Agri View: Chill Hours and Peach Tree Production
Everett Griner talks about chill hours and weather needs for good peach tree production in today’s Agri View. Chill Hours and Peach Tree Production I have heard the term chill hours all of my life. It is referenced to the weather a peach tree needs to produce a good crop. But, what does it mean to the average person? Well, …
Drought Monitor has Concerns Shifting South
Last year, drought worries centered around the northern Plains and grazing conditions in the Dakotas and across Montana. Those areas remain dry, but the intensity has weakened, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. Moving into 2018, drought intensity and area is spreading, extending over the Southwest, southern Plains and Great Plains, according to the American Farm Bureau Market Intel …
Georgia Cold Weather Update from Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black
“The cold weather this week, in addition to cooler temperatures throughout this winter season, have proven beneficial to many of our crops by providing much needed chill hours. In fact, peach and blueberry crops have received more chill hours this year than the last two years combined. We must of course always be realistic in the fact that there is …
Florida Growers Reminded about FAWN Cold Protection Toolkit
The recent cold snap is a good time to remind growers across Florida about the Florida Automated Weather Network’s (FAWN) Cold Protection Toolkit, which is designed to help you make decisions when using irrigation for cold protection. The toolkit basically provides a “step-by-step guide” to help with making decisions on cold nights. And many growers may be familiar with “My …
La Nina’s Potential Role in 2018 Hurricane Season
Whether this year’s Atlantic hurricane season is as active as last year’s may depend on a current climate pattern. Rod Bain has the story. La Nina’s Potential Role in 2018 Hurricane Season Image Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Winter Wheat Growers Holding on Through Cold Snap
The nation’s winter wheat growers have learned through experience to be prepared for more trouble ahead. Much of the nation has been in a deep freeze for the past several days. Hard red winter wheat growers in Kansas and Oklahoma are already not expecting to have a large crop this year. They’ve been battling lower prices because of a large …