Southeastern Producers May Escape Some of Dorian’s Devastation

Hurricane Dorian turned out to be a storm full of surprising twists and turns. What was once supposed to decimate Florida’s east coast as a category four storm has stayed hundreds of miles off land and is moving up the Atlantic coast. After stalling over the Bahamas for most of the holiday weekend, Dorian is now making its trek north …

USDA to Survey Fruit Growers about Chemical Use

Athens, GA (USDA/NASS) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey fruit growers in 11 states, including Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, for its biennial Fruit Chemical Use Survey. The survey will collect information on bearing acreage, pest management practices, pesticide application, acres treated and rates applied for more than 12 fruit crops. “Pesticide data …

Quincy FL Hemp Workshop Postponed for Hurricane Dorian

(UF/IFAS) — The UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project Workshop scheduled for Sept 4 in Quincy, FL is postponed on account of Hurricane Dorian. We have not yet determined a future status of the workshop and will follow-up as soon as we can. You can view the recording of the workshop held in Gainesville in these two video links (Video 1 / Video …

All Florida Livestock Markets Closed Sept 2-6

Hurricane Dorian Information for the Cattle Industry IMPORTANT NOTICE (FDACS) — ALL livestock markets in Florida will be closed ALL next week (Sept 2-6) due to holiday and forthcoming hurricane. Effective Immediately The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry, has temporarily suspended the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals from the areas expected …

Work Starts on Toll Road Plans

TALLAHASSEE (NSF) — Task forces that will study and make recommendations about three major toll-road proposals will be committed to protecting farmland and natural springs in the western side of the state, members were told Tuesday as they formally kicked off the work. Still, critics who fought the projects during this year’s legislative session because of concerns about sprawl and …

Ag Groups Celebrate Trade Agreement With Japan

The United States and Japan have agreed in principle to a trade deal. In a report from Gary Crawford, President Donald Trump talks about the new agreement. Secretary Perdue on Japan Agreement WU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the new trade agreement between the United States and Japan: “Japan is a significant market for United …

NCBA on GIPSA Rulemaking Process

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to move forward with a new attempt on the rulemaking process for the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Inspection, or GIPSA rule. Senate lawmakers this month penned a letter to USDA requesting the new rule protect livestock and poultry farmers against unfair and deceptive practices by meatpackers and poultry companies, as well …

USDA to Measure Small Grain Production

ATHENS, GA (USDA/NASS) – During the first two weeks of September, 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 2019 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, and rye. “The small grains industry is …

DeSantis: Keep Up ‘Momentum’ on Water Issues

TALLAHASSEE, FL (NSF) — During an appearance in Bonita Springs Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis encouraged advocates for clean water to keep pressing lawmakers to pass conservation measures in the upcoming 2020 legislative session. DeSantis, proudly noting that legislators this year exceeded his environmental funding request of $625 million by $55 million, said local voices are needed to maintain the “momentum” …