Florida NRCS Sign-up Deadline is Next Week

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida wants to remind ranchers in southwest Florida that you may be able to get financial assistance for managing your property for wildlife, including the Florida panther. But the signup deadline to apply is June 16. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the …

Wellhead Protection Sign-up Deadline Nearing in Alabama

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama wants to remind residents living in two key watersheds in the northern part of the state, that the deadline to sign up for Wellhead protection is Thursday, June 8.         Image courtesy of USDA/NRCS. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between …

Eating Your Greens—Microgreens, That is!

from USDA Agricultural Research Service Small edible plants called microgreens aren’t just tasty toppings for soups, salads, and sandwiches. They’re also healthful. According to results of an Agricultural Research Service (ARS)-led study, eating red cabbage microgreens helped mice moderate their weight and cholesterol levels despite a high-fat diet. Over the past several years, chefs have touted the taste, texture, color …

Secretaries Perdue and Zinke Stress Inter-Departmental Collaboration as Wildfire Season Approaches

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Interior Secretary Ryan K. Zinke joined forces in Boise, Idaho at the National Incident Fire Command Center (NIFC) for a tour and briefing on the upcoming wildfire season. Following the events, the secretaries sent a memorandum to wildland fire leadership highlighting the importance of inter-departmental collaboration in protecting communities and managing public lands. In the …

‘Only Extreme’ Drought Is in Florida

The latest drought monitor report shows an increase in U.S. drought coverage, following record-low coverage a week ago. And that’s mainly due to a developing drought in the north central part of the nation. But according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, the only extreme drought conditions in the country right now are in Florida.     Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement …

USDA Political Appointment Nominee’s Expected Soon

Nominee’s for The Department of Agriculture’s political post within the agency are expected within a month or so. Sources close to the Secretary have allegedly told Politico that Perdue has made his picks for key positions within USDA, and those picks could be announced in June. There are nearly a dozen political positions that require confirmation by the U.S. Senate, …

USDA Revises Angus Certification Requirements

The USDA Ag Marketing Service announced this week that it’s revising the live animal specification used for all Angus Certification Programs. The goal is to reflect changes in cattle genetics and marketing, with the proposals to take effect on July 1. A Meating Place Dot Com article says the revised specifications for phenotypic evaluations require that cattle have a main …

Perdue Looking at ‘Right-Sizing’ USDA Agencies

We’ve heard a lot the past few days about President Trump’s proposed budget and how if realized, would mean steep cuts for agriculture. One area of those proposed cuts is the U.S. Department of Agriculture staff, as the budget proposal calls for an estimated cut of 5,263 positions. Last week Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue told a House Appropriations Subcommittee that …

USDA Seeks Nominees for the U.S. Potato Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for the United States Potato Board. Prospective nominees must submit completed applications by July 1, 2017. Selected representatives will replace members whose terms expire Feb. 28, 2018, or will fill currently vacant seats. Those selected will serve three-year terms. The board is composed of producers, importers and a public member. The …