Research done by the USDA has shown that moving calving time from the spring to late winter increases calf growth. This means that calving season will be in early March instead of early May, which puts calves reaching 180 days of age in early September, while the grass is still growing, compared to early November, when the growing season slacks off. Calves that are born in late winter are shown to average 13 percent heavier than those born in...
In the past few weeks, there have been reports of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Midwest and northern parts of the country. According to Alabama Poultry and Egg Association's CEO, Johnny Adams, the disease is not being spread from farm to farm due to good bio-security. The disease is being spread by wild birds in parts of the U.S. and in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Canada. Bird owners should be reviewing their biosecurity...
Specialty crops like almonds and other nuts, berries, fruits and vegetables have honey bees to thank for more than 15-billion in added crop value. Funding from the Plant Protection Act has helped the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Plant Protection and Quarantine Program, PPQ, launch a survey that will gather data on bees to better understand the threatening factors of bees and how to take action to protect them and the many...
As families are paying more in the grocery store for beef and chicken, the price farmers and ranchers are receiving is not rising at the same rate. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $215 million in grants and support for Meat and Poultry processing plants. In turn, this support will strengthen the food supply chain, supply jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas, where the beef starts.
The grapefruit is a hybrid of the orange and the pummelo and is grown largely in the Indian River region of Florida with peak season arriving during the wintertime. The demand for grapefruit remains high despite the fact that Florida will see the smallest citrus crop production in 75 years. "As growers, we are no strangers to adversity – natural disasters, pests, and disease are all a part of daily life. But it is how we respond to these...
History is being made with the first ever National Agroforestry Survey being conducted from February 1, 2022 to April 5, 2022. The survey is being done on farmers and ranchers across the nation that utilize these six practices on their land: windbreaks, silvopasture, riparian forest buffers, alley cropping, forest farming and multi-story cropping. The results from these surveys will be released in studies, press releases, and publications. USDA...
Farmers in western Palm Beach County have exceeded water quality standards by cutting harmful nutrients in field runoff by 59%. This is more than double what is required by law. To learn more about the Florida Everglades Forever Act and how the farmers have been able to consistently exceed requirements visit The Palm Beach Post website and read the article, "Palm Beach County farmers exceed water quality requirements by more than double,"...
Precision and automation in agriculture can minimize the overall amount of spray used in groves and orchards. Tim Hammerich explains how this technology helps Florida citrus growers in his Farm of the Future Report. Visit the Ag Information Network website to download, read, or listen to the reports. Bringing Precision and Automation to Agriculture - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
The Florida Farm Bureau's CARES program recognizes Florida farmers and ranchers who implement Best Management Practices with a This Farm Cares award. Recipients of this award are committed to protecting Florida's environment and natural resources. To learn more visit the Farm Bureau website and read the article, "Florida Farmers are Protecting Natural Resources and Diverse Ecosystems," written by Cacee Hilliard. Florida Farmers are Protecting...
Buying food grown in Florida is good for the local economy, good for the farmer, and good for you! Imports sold below the cost to produce in the US impact farmers and producers in the US. Informed consumers who want to help can make an effort to purchase food produced in the US and even better, Florida! To learn more visit the NBC 2 local news website and read the article "Mexico's crop dumping is hurting Florida farmers," written by Evan Dean....
