The United States Department of Agriculture (UDSA) has a new $550 million program that is supporting projects that enable underserved producers access to land, capital, and markets, and train the next diverse generation of agricultural professionals. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the funding is part of “USDA’s unwavering commitment to advancing equity for all, including people who have been underserved, marginalized, and adversely...
With hurricane season upon us, it is important to have your ag or livestock operation prepared for the strong winds, heavy rain, and possible tornados that these storms produce. UF/IFAS have some recommendations for preparing your operations, which include making sure generators are working and there is enough gas to run them, and fixing any damage to barns and buildings, paying special attention to the roof. Visit the link below for more ways...
Pasco County, Florida is now under quarantine after a community gardener in Port Richey came across a giant African land snail on June 23rd. This snail eats up to 500 different species of plants and even the paint and stucco off your house. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said, "The giant African land snail is one of the most dangerous snails in the world. These snails could be devastating to Florida agriculture and...
A national survey of Americans was done by the National Chicken Council (NCC) regarding attitudes towards chicken and plant-based 'chicken' alternatives. Participants included people who consume animal products, as well as flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans. This survey concluded that one in five Americans have accidently purchased plant-based meat products instead of the actual meat product. Also, 69 percent of Americans think that the term...
A quarantine has been established in Pinellas County, FL because the presence of Oriental fruit flies has been identified. This has prohibited the movement of fruits, vegetables, and nuts from the county unless you have compliance agreement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Dr. Trevor Smith, FDACS Division of Plant Industry Director, said, "Our staff, working closely with our federal partners, has begun a...
This week, June 20 - June 26, 2022, is National Pollinator Week, a celebration in support of pollinator health. Gene Brandi, former American Beekeeping Federation president and beekeeper, said "Honeybees in the USA are still not well, in the sense that beekeepers are having considerable losses, losing far larger numbers of colonies than they would like." Though the official numbers have not been released, the estimated annual colony loss is...
Disease has lead to a 5 to 6% drop in hog slaughters in the past year, which has also lead to empty barns and challenges expanding this herd in a healthy way. There have been many new hog facilities built in South Dakota, where pork production has been growing at a rate of 7% to 8% a year. High input and feed costs is also putting pressure on the industry as no one wants to get into swine production and not make a profit each year.
Much of the U.S. is experiencing drought conditions, but this doesn't stop mosquito season. Although there has not been significant rainfall, mosquitos and West Nile Virus are still an issue that horse owners should be aware of. Some ways to protect horses from the West Nile Virus include vaccinating your horses, hanging high-powered livestock fans and getting rid of as much standing water as possible. Lastly, minimize your horses' exposure...
Methane traps 80% more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, and while a cow is digesting food, they burp and methane is released into the atmosphere. Dairy farms make up a large portion of this methane, but they have been researching ways to control this for years. They have finally found a way to measure the amount of methane in the atmosphere at these dairies using drones so they have an accurate reading of how much methane dairies...
Citrus growers came together at an event in Lake Placid, FL to discuss the potential of bamboo as a commercial crop that can be grown on marginal grove land until a solution to Huanglongbing (HLB) is found. The young bamboo shoots are nutritious and popular with consumers as well as the lumber and wood products that it offers. Another good use is carbon sequestration, this is when carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and held in a solid...
