Bees are vital to agriculture, and a recent major weather event had an impact on colonies. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Hurricane Ian was devastating in many ways, including the loss of human life and destruction, and now we’re learning more about its effect on honey bees. According to a report by the University of Florida, it’s not …
Alabama Industrial Hemp License Application Available
Alabama’s hemp growers now have a new option. The state’s hemp growers, processors/handlers and universities may now apply for an industrial hemp license from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Applications will only be accepted online through the Kelly Registration System. The application period began Tuesday, October 11 and the final day to apply for an industrial hemp license is …
NRCS Assistance for Producers Affected by Hurricane Ian
The USDA says its expediting assistance for producers affected by Hurricane Ian. USDA can provide payments, through conservation program contracts, for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) conservation practices to help agricultural landowners and producers address disaster-related resource concerns on their land. To expedite Hurricane Ian disaster recovery, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is issuing early start waivers in EQIP …
USDA Providing Relief to Qualified Borrowers Struggling to Make Payments
During a call with ag media, Tuesday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack detailed plans to help farmers with USDA loans who are struggling to make their payments. “Through no fault of their own, our nation’s farmers and ranchers have faced incredibly tough circumstances over the last few years,” Secretary Vilsack said. “The funding included in today’s announcement helps keep our …
Researchers Developing Corn for Diverse Organic Systems
Researchers are working on a new type of corn. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Decades of corn breeding efforts emphasizing yield have contributed to modern hybrids with shallower and less complex root systems than their predecessors. Because the breeding and selection of most modern hybrids has taken place in environments with high nutrient concentrations, optimal weed control, …
USDA Seeks Comment on Program
The Department of Agriculture seeks public comment on how it should implement Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act. The provision aims to assist the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs. Section 22007 provides a transformative opportunity for USDA to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners impacted by discrimination in USDA farm …
Global Food Insecurity Increased in 2022
Global food insecurity is rising. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. New research from USDA’s Economic Research Service announced Tuesday shows global food insecurity increased by nearly ten percent in fiscal year 2022. USDA’s International Food Security Assessment model estimates how food prices and incomes affect food demand and access in 77 low- and middle-income countries. Food security …
$80 Million to Improve Nutrition in School Meals
The Biden Administration this week provided $50 million in grants for schools to invest in new food service equipment that will allow them to continue serving nutritious meals. The funding adds to the $30 million equipment grants the administration gave schools earlier this year. The announcement comes during National School Lunch Week, as designated by President Joe Biden. The added …
Peanuts Power a Healthy Routine
How you can power through your day with peanuts. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Fall is a great time for children and adults to get back into a regular schedule, including a healthy eating routine. One easy, inexpensive, and tasty ingredient for overall health and wellness is peanuts. The Peanut Institute says peanuts are a versatile, plant-based protein …
NCC Announces 2023 Beltwide Cotton Conferences
The National Cotton Council (NCC) recently announced the 2023 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, set for January 10-12 at the New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans. The event offers attendees timely updates on the latest research, technology and issues affecting U.S. cotton production and processing. The BWCC, coordinated by the National Cotton Council, annually brings together the U.S. cotton industry to exchange …