Times are very busy in hemp industry circles these days, particularly in Florida where companies and investor groups are positioning themselves for what many see as a viable new agricultural crop alternative for Florida farmers. We finally caught up with a very busy David Hasenauer in recent days. Hasenauer is president of the new Hemp Industries Association of Florida (HIAF), …
Nearly 17,000 Dairy Operations Enrolled in Dairy Margin Coverage Program
Dairy producers must sign up before Sept. 20 for 2019 coverage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that producers of nearly 17,000 dairy operations have enrolled in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program since signup opened June 17. Producers interested in 2019 coverage must sign up before Sept. 20, 2019. DMC offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between …
‘Florida Farmers Are Going to Be the Best Hemp Growers in the Country’
“Florida farmers will eventually overtake the rest of the country” in hemp production, predicts Holly Bell, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) director of cannabis. In an interview with Citrus Industry Editor Tacy Callies, Bell summarizes her talk at the general session of Citrus Expo. Bell says “Florida farmers are going to be the best hemp growers in …
Department of Transportation Publishes Hours of Service Proposal
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on changes to hours of service (HOS) rules. The objective is to increase safety on America’s roadways by updating existing regulations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. “This proposed rule seeks to enhance safety by giving America’s commercial drivers more flexibility …
Cotton Board Recommends $86 Million Budget and Elects Chairman
Texas cotton producer Jeff Posey elected Cotton Board chairman and new officers elected During its annual meeting in Durham, North Carolina, the Cotton Board reviewed and voted to recommend Cotton Incorporated’s proposed 2020 budget of $86 million to the Secretary of Agriculture. This is a $4 million increase from the 2019 budget. The 2020 Cotton Incorporated plan and budget remains …
Georgia Produce Safety Inspections Continue
The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Farm Safety Program has helped to develop partnerships and relationships with farmers across the state concerning the regulatory requirements for produce safety under the Food Safety Modernization Act. Farm Safety Education and Outreach Coordinator Maggie Brown says the inspections, on farm readiness reviews and training continue. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To …
UF/IFAS Plant Geneticist Named Fellow of American Society for Horticultural Science
BALM, Fla. (UF/IFAS) — If you savor the sights of caladium, gerbera and other ornamental plants, you can thank Zhanao Deng for developing better varieties. In his three-decade career, Deng beams with pride over new types of caladium and gerbera he’s bred that are more resistant to diseases. He’s also happy with his lantana varieties, which are genetically sterilized and …
Farmers Prevented From Planting Crops on More Than 19 Million Acres
Agricultural producers reported they were not able to plant crops on more than 19.4 million acres in 2019, according to a new report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This marks the most prevented plant acres reported since USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) began releasing the report in 2007 and 17.49 million acres more than reported at this time …
USDA Invests in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in 24 States
Investments will Benefit 133,000 Residents in Rural Communities WASHINGTON, (USDA) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe announced that USDA is investing $135 million in 49 projects to improve rural water infrastructure in 24 states (PDF, 170 KB). “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to partner with rural communities to …
July Ag Economy Barometer Increases
(NAFB) — The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reading jumped to 153 in July, up 27 points from June, and up 52 points from May. However, it’s safe to expect a decline in the August report. While the Market Facilitation Program payments are a positive to farmers, this week’s announcement that China will stop all purchases of U.S. ag …