(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) – Cotton Incorporated has posted a new report titled “Prevention of Plastic Contamination when Handling Cotton Modules” to its producer-directed Web site, Cotton Cultivated (cottoncultivated.cottoninc.com). This document provides growers, module handlers and ginners recommendations on handling round modules from the field to the gin with a goal of eliminating plastic contamination in U.S. cotton. The report, compiled by …
USDA Designates Toombs County, Georgia as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties Also Available United States Department of Agriculture WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2020 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Toombs County, Georgia, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to hail that occurred on April 8, 2020, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency …
USDA to Measure Small Grain Production
ATHENS, GA – In the upcoming week, growers of small grains around the country will receive survey forms from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2020 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, and rye. “The small grains industry is an important part of …
2020 State Officer Team Elected
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the election of the 2020-2021 State FFA Officers. Each year, the delegates at the annual state FFA convention elect a team of student officers to lead the organization for the coming year. Serving as a state officer is a distinguished honor held by only eight students each year. State …
Cotton Board Recommends $80 Million Cotton Incorporated Budget to Ag Secretary
(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) – The Cotton Board recently held its 2020 annual meeting. During this virtual meeting, board members serving the Cotton Research and Promotion Program reviewed, analyzed and voted to recommend Cotton Incorporated’s 2021 budget of $80 million to the Secretary of Agriculture. This budget recommendation reflects a decrease of over $8 million from 2020. Even with decreased funding, the …
National FFA Organization Names 2020 American Star Finalists
National FFA Organization Names 2020 American Star Finalists INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Aug. 10, 2020/National FFA Organization) –The National FFA Organization selected 16 students from throughout the United States as finalists for its 2020 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. The American Star Awards represent the best of …
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification
WASHINGTON, August 10, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for eligible certification expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020, are due Oct. 31, 2020. “For producers producing food …
NRCS Investing Up to $360 Million in Partner-Driven Conservation
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced it will be investing up to $360 million in partner-driven conservation through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS invites potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding. Dollars will be awarded to locally-driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat …
Commissioner Fried to USDA Secretary: Expand CFAP to Include More Commodities
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried wrote to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Tuesday, once again asking the USDA to expand eligibility for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to include additional agricultural commodities. On July 9, the USDA announced expanded CFAP eligibility that included many impacted Florida crops, but aquaculture and horticulture commodities were not …
Commissioner Fried Announces Second Phase of Improvements to Prescribed Burning Program
Tallahassee, Fla.– Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service announced today a second phase of major enhancements to the prescribed burning program, which is authorized by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Prescribed burning in Florida is a national model for successfully managing statewide forests and lands through safe, controlled, carefully managed prescribed fire. A scientifically sound …