U.S. farmers are expected to produce a record-high soybean crop this year, according to the Crop Production report issued by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Up 4 percent from 2017, soybean production is forecast at record high 4.59 billion bushels, while corn growers are expected to decrease their production slightly from last year, forecast at 14.6 billion bushels. Down …
USDA Invests $345.5 Million in Rural Electric Infrastructure to Improve Service
Projects Will Provide Improved Electric Reliability Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $345.5 million in 20 infrastructure projects (PDF, 121 KB) to improve rural electric service in 14 states. “Delivering reliable and affordable electricity to power rural America will help lay the groundwork for increased rural prosperity and economic opportunity,” Secretary Perdue said. “USDA …
Senate Approves Roberts’ Efforts to Improve Access to New Drugs for Animals
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts applauded Senate approval of legislation to speed access to new animal drugs for veterinarians. The provision by Roberts was approved earlier this week that would allow access to new animal drugs through conditional approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Roberts’ provision on conditional approval was included in the Animal Drug and Animal Generic …
USDA Designates Florida Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties Also Available Florida agricultural producers who suffered losses and damages due to Hurricane Irma, may be eligible for U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, under two separate disaster designations. Hurricane Irma’s Impact to …
USDA Designates Georgia Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available Georgia agricultural producers who suffered losses and damages due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, for losses caused by two separate disaster events. …
UF/IFAS Scientists Use Fungus to Manage Asian Citrus Psyllid
Fighting plant disease with jet blast sprays is standard practice for citrus growers. But, to spray a fungus to control a single insect that carries a disease-causing pathogen is uncommon. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability researchers have begun to test an insect-killing fungus applied with horticultural oil sprays in …
USDA Invites Comments on the Implementation of the e-Connectivity Pilot Program
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced USDA is inviting comments on the implementation of the e-Connectivity Pilot Program established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 on March 23, 2018. USDA is developing this pilot program to catalyze private investment and bring broadband to unserved rural areas of the country. The new program provides a unique opportunity to develop …
4-H Extracurricular for My Child? 10 Reasons Why
With so many extracurricular activities available these days, parents and kids are overwhelmed with choices. To choose the right one, know what to prioritize, says Heather Kent, associate director of the Florida 4-H youth development program, part of University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. “The 4-H motto is ‘To make the best better.’ The research shows …
USDA Invests in Projects to Spur Innovation in Grazing Lands, Organic Systems and Soil Health
USDA will invest more than $10.6 million for 22 new projects that will drive public and private sector innovation in conserving natural resources in 27 states. The competitive Conservation Innovation Grants program helps spur development and adoption of new conservation approaches and technologies. “Through our Conservation Innovation Grants, we are able to bring together a wide array of groups to drive innovation …
National FFA Organization Names 2018 American Star Award Finalists
The National FFA Organization selected 16 students from throughout the United States as finalists for its 2018 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. The American Star Awards represents the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. The award recognizes FFA members who …