U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind those interested that the deadline to submit applications for the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) is February 25, 2022. Alabama is offering an opportunity for agricultural producers in priority watersheds within the state to apply for financial assistance to install conservation practices that protect water quality through …
GPC Research and Report Day: A Glimpse Into the Industry’s Future
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission’s (GPC) annual Research and Report Day on Wednesday highlighted ongoing projects from researchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and U.S. Department of Agriculture. It provided insight into the future of peanut production, says Donald Chase, research chairman at the GPC. “When we make our decisions in March …
Educational Videos on Cover Crops
Cover crops, typically planted in the early fall, deliver a host of agricultural and conservation benefits. Citrus growers have found that cover crops reduce water demand, thus saving substantial irrigation costs. In addition, cover crops provide support to beneficial insects, which help reduce pesticide requirements. In partnership with the Contra Costa County Resource Conservation District, two University of California Cooperative …
BMPs Addressed in Bill
Florida Sen. Ben Albritton filed a bill (SB 1000) to address issues related to best management practices (BMPs), the Nov. 19 Florida Citrus Mutual Triangle newsletter reported. According to the Triangle, the bill addresses several issues stemming from outdated science supporting University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) nutrient recommendation rates pertaining to BMPs. The bill also …
NMPF’s Bjerga Discusses Opportunity in Reconciliation
We are hearing a lot about the budget reconciliation legislation, otherwise known as the Build Back Better Act, being discussed in Congress. During a recent interview on RFD-TV, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Senior Vice President of Communications, Alan Bjerga, talked about some of the opportunities for dairy that’s currently in that legislation. The legislation also includes $27 billion in a once-in-a-generation …
OJ May Fight Inflammation, Oxidative Stress
A new study suggests 100% orange juice (OJ) has the potential to help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in adults, paving the way for further research on the topic. Though limited in scope, the study indicates drinking 100% OJ significantly reduces interleukin 6, a well-established marker of inflammation, in both healthy and high-risk adults. Two additional inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were …
Commissioner Fried / FDACS Submit 2022-23 Legislative Budget Request
(Tallahassee, FL/Sept. 20, 2021-FDACS) — Last week, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) submitted the department’s Legislative Budget Request (LBR) for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. “Despite the challenges of operating through a continuing pandemic, our core mission remains the same: to safeguard the public and support Florida agriculture. Our budget priorities are solutions-oriented and critical not only to our …
Vermicomposting Bin Can Be Good for Your Garden
How a vermicomposting bin can be good for your garden. That’s coming up on this Land of Ours. Worm farms, also known as vermicomposting bins, are a great way for you to make nutrient-rich compost that can be used in your garden. You can maintain a vermicomposting bin in a space as small as the cupboard under your kitchen sink! Like …
ICYMI: Commissioner Nikki Fried Announces FDACS Clean Water Initiative
(Tallahassee, Fla./August 6, 2021) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried held a series of events across Florida announcing the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy Clean Water Initiative, updating and strengthening the Department’s water policies to better protect the state’s natural resources. At stops in Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, St. Pete, and Stuart, Commissioner Fried met with scientists, environmental advocates, and local elected officials to roll …
Drones, Money Pitched to Bolster Red Tide Efforts
(NSF, August, 4, 2021/TALLAHASSEE) — Drones could be used to monitor red tide, and money should be set aside to offset local costs of removing fish killed by toxic algae blooms, state wildlife officials said Wednesday as they look to manage future outbreaks. Members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said more-proactive measures are needed because red tide …