Hemp

Georgia’s New Hemp Laws Effective Oct. 1

Dan Georgia, Hemp, Specialty Crops

The Georgia Hemp Farming Act, effective October 1, ushers in a new era for hemp growers and processors. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, the act imposes strict regulations on the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp across the state. Under Senate Bill 94 (SB 94), all aspects of hemp production—including growing, testing, packaging, and retail—are regulated by the …

orange

USDA to Gather Data about Farm Labor

Dan Labor and Immigration, USDA-NASS

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct its biannual Agricultural Labor Survey in October. More than 1,700 farmers and ranchers in the Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina will be asked to participate in the survey. This is an opportunity for producers to provide accurate information about hired farm labor, including total number of hired farm workers, total hours worked, …

season

Cotton Crop Condition Drops, Peanut Harvest Slowly Moving

Dan Cotton, Field Crops, Peanuts, Soybeans, USDA-NASS

With storm activity moving in this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes the cotton crop condition is dropping, while the peanut harvest is moving slowly. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the cotton condition ratings in this week’s crop progress report.  And Rippey has a look at the peanut harvest. The USDA report notes this is how the cotton and peanut crops were progressing across the …

Pecan

USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for 2024

Dan Specialty Crops, USDA-NASS

During the week of September 23rd, pecan growers will receive a survey from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2024.  “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in Georgia and it is crucial for us to have accurate data about this key sector of the …

corn production

Lower Corn Production, Higher Soybean and Cotton Production Expected

Dan Corn, Cotton, Field Crops, Soybeans, USDA-NASS

According to the Crop Production Report issued today by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), U.S. corn production is expected to be down, while soybean and cotton production is up from 2023. Corn production is forecast to be down 1% from last year at 15.2 billion bushels, while soybean growers are expected to increase their production 10% from 2023, forecast at 4.59 billion bushels. …

SUSTAINS Act

Public Input Needed on Implementation of SUSTAINS Act

Dan USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind the public that September 16th is the deadline to provide input on how best to implement the SUSTAINS Act. It authorizes the agency to accept private contributions to channel through several existing USDA-NRCS conservation programs.  Specifically, the SUSTAINS Act provides an opportunity for the private sector to partner with USDA to engage farmers, ranchers, …

labeling

USDA Releases Updated Guidance on Labeling

Dan This Land of Ours

The USDA releases updated guidance on labeling. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA announced the availability of updated guidelines that make recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labels. The action builds on the work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels. …

specialty crops

USDA Announces Grant Funding to Strengthen U.S. Specialty Crops Industry

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Fruits, Funding, Pecans, Specialty Crops, USDA, Vegetables

Late last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is awarding $82.3 million to 65 recipients to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support the industry’s producers. This includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. The funding is through USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and the Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program (SCMP). Jenny Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory …

Florida family farm

Another Florida Family Farm Preserved through RFLPP

Dan Cattle, Conservation, Environment, Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

It was announced today that another Florida family farm has been preserved through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP).  The Joseph Miller Ranch, a 490-acre cow/calf operation in St. Lucie County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $2,070,000.  The ranch is a 490-acre cow/calf operation located about 14 miles …

Florida family farm

Florida Family Farm Being Preserved through RFLPP

Dan Florida

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced the preservation of a Florida family farm through their Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). Lowder’s Gulf Hammock, a 691-acre working timber and wetland property in Levy County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $691,200.  The RFLPP purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land protection …