Owners and operators of Larson Dairy in Okeechobee, Florida are responding to allegations of animal abuse at their dairy farm, which has gotten a vast amount of media attention in recent days. The allegations were made by a Miami-based animal rights organization, which is known to send people to farms as “undercover employees” for the sole purpose of doing stories …
Solar Energy from Abandoned Groves or Cattle Ranch Property
By Tacy Callies Some growers have found their abandoned citrus groves “make the perfect property” for solar energy developments, says Michael Minton of Dean Mead law firm. Minton summarizes a presentation he made about solar energy opportunities for agriculturists at the recent Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference, held in the Orlando area. “We have found the various utilities we’ve worked …
Secretary Perdue Launches Veteran Resources at USDA
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the launch of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) resources to provide comprehensive and timely support to veterans interested in opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, and in rural America. The resources include a new website and a USDA-wide AgLearn curriculum to allow all employees to understand the unique opportunities offered to our nation’s veterans. “From the beginning …
USDA Invests in Integrated Pest Management for Increased Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced grants to bring safer, more effective pest management approaches to farms and communities. “Insects, weeds, and diseases are ever-evolving challenges for U.S. agriculture,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “NIFA is making investments to develop sound scientific approaches to increase production and provide continued food security …
Senate Panel Backs $100 Million for Florida Forever
A measure that would double the amount Gov. Rick Scott wants to spend on the state’s most-prominent land preservation program was easily approved Monday during its first Senate committee. And bill sponsor Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican elevated earlier in the day to chair the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, said the state isn’t doing enough for land conservation. The …
USDA to Re-engage Stakeholders on Revisions to Biotechnology Regulations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it is withdrawing a proposed rule to revise the Agency’s biotechnology regulations and will re-engage with stakeholders to determine the most effective, science-based approach for regulating the products of modern biotechnology while protecting plant health. “It’s critical that our regulatory requirements foster public confidence and empower …
Enrollment Underway for ARC, PLC
Farmers and ranchers with base acres in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety net program are being reminded enrollment for the 2018 crop year is underway. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers Efforts Important to Cattle Producers in FloridaDecember …
Farm Bureau Applauds Congressional Tax Reform
The federal tax reform plan coming out of Congress makes major changes to the tax code. Pat Wolff, AFBF senior director of congressional relations, says Farm Bureau is reviewing the plan to ensure the effective tax rate lessens the tax burden for America’s farmers and ranchers. Wolff calls it a bold proposal that she expects to move through Congress quickly. …
USDA Invests in Research to Improve Domestic Aquaculture Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grants to support the development of environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture in the U.S. These awards were made through the Aquaculture Research Program authorized by the Competitive Special and Facilities Research Grants Act, administered by NIFA. “By 2030, it’s estimated that nearly two-thirds of fish consumed …
Senate Ag Committee Warns Trump Administration on Possible NAFTA “Pullout”
The Chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee issued perhaps his most direct public warning yet to the Trump Administration on a possible North American Free Trade Agreement “pullout.” Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts spoke to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce audience in Washington, D.C. on the strategy President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are pursuing on …