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....
Agriculture provides food, clothing, and shelter, all of which are critical to society. However, agriculture is often cited as one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses. Improving grazing land management, increasing forage production and soil carbon stocks, and manure management may offer new opportunities for agriculture to play an important role in climate change mitigation. Scientists are currently working to better understand and...
Defoliating cotton creates the beautiful white snowy look of a cotton field. Cotton defoliation occurs when the mature plant sheds its leaves. Ethan Carter, the Regional Row Crop University of Florida IFAS Extension agent in Jackson County, FL published an article discussing two primary techniques used to gauge when it is time to defoliate the cotton field. To learn more visit the Panhandle UF Extension website
Biotechnology helps farmers grow more food using practices that are environmentally sustainable. Corn, cotton and soybeans grown in the US have been improved through biotechnology. To learn more about biotechnology in production agriculture visit the American Farm Bureau website. Biotechnology (fb.org)
Researchers at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, FL, are working to develop blackberry varieties that grow in Florida’s hot, humid climate. Blackberries do not grow and produce well without adequate chilling hours. To learn more, read the article written by the Editor of the VSCNews Magazine, Abbey Taylor, "Creating Blackberry Varieties for Florida...
Hurricane Ida has made it difficult for U.S. farmers as they face supply shortages and higher costs. Ida's destruction has hindered the production of some products and made it difficult logistically to move material across the US. To learn more visit, AgWeb and read the Reuters article, “U.S. Farmers Face Supply Shortages, Higher Costs After Hurricane...
A negative Coggins test is required to travel out of state and at most equine facilities, but do you know what the Coggins test is screens? A Coggins test is simple blood test that screens for EIA antibodies only present in an infected animal. To learn more about the Coggins test and tips on how to prevent exposure visit the Central Florida AgNews website and read the article written by Dr. Katie Hennessy, “What is a Coggins Test?”
