(AFBF-Oct. 2, 2019) — The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released a proposal for the future of U.S. milk-pricing provisions and marketing-order reform. The recommendations aim to bring more democracy and a more equitable program for all dairy farmers. Although federal milk marketing orders have been a pillar of the dairy industry for more than 80 years, the program has …
Response to FDACS Open Burn Program Enhancements
Clewiston, FL (U.S. Sugar-Oct. 1, 2019) — In response to enhancements announced by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Nikki Fried, U.S. Sugar Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Judy Sanchez released the following statement: “We applaud Commissioner Nikki Fried, her staff and the Florida Forest Service for their thoughtful review of the state’s open …
Major Changes to Prescribed Burning
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced major changes and enhancements to the state’s prescribed burning program, which is authorized by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Forest Service. 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 practice, prescribed burning is …
OCM Smear Campaign Draws Response from NCBA CEO
by Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO (NCBA-Sept. 26, 2019) — The activist-funded Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) has again resorted to half-truths and smear tactics to pit beef producers against one another. It’s clear that their allies at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) have taught the staff some new tricks to help tear the beef industry apart from …
Barbour County, Alabama, Designated as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available WASHINGTON, D.C. (USDA/FSA-Sept. 20, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Barbour County, Alabama, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster designation allows FSA to …
Alabama Extension Offers Flood Resources for Food Crop Growers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL (ACES-September 19, 2019) — Hurricane Dorian dumped rainfall along the East Coast and many are left dealing with floodwaters and crop damage—especially food crop producers. Kristin Woods, an Alabama Extension regional food safety agent, said food crop producers are in a situation that is relatively rare. “Preparing for or reacting to flooding in terms of keeping food …
Plains Peanut Festival Celebrates Peanut Harvest and Honors 39th President
TIFTON, GA (GPC-September 18, 2019) — The 23rd annual Plains Peanut Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28 in Plains, Georgia, home of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The event highlights the harvest of its cash crop, peanuts, which has big potential across the globe by providing a sustainable and nutritious product and fighting malnutrition. Georgia leads …
2020 Alabama Hemp Program Update
MONTGOMERY, AL (ADAI-September 17, 2019) – The Alabama Hemp program launched in the beginning of 2019, after the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (i.e. Farm Bill) declassified hemp as a schedule 1 drug and deemed hemp as an agriculture commodity. This legislation defines hemp as all parts of the plant containing less than 0.3% THC, including derivatives, extracts, and cannabinoids. …
Florida Eyes Washington on Hemp Rules
TALLAHASSEE, FL (NSF-September 17, 2019) — Florida farmers might not be held back from planting hemp next year even if the federal government has not signed off on long-awaited rule changes. Holly Bell, Florida’s director of cannabis, told the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday that, if all goes well, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ permitting for hemp …
USDA Modernizes Swine Slaughter Inspection for the First Time in Over 50 Years
WThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a final rule to modernize swine slaughter inspection and bring it into the 21st century. For the first time in more than five decades, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is modernizing inspection at market hog slaughter establishments with a goal of protecting public health while allowing for food safety innovations. “This …