Spending time with family and friends at Thanksgiving remains important for many Americans, and this year the cost of the meal is also top of mind. American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 37th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10, which is $64.05 or less than $6.50 per person. This is …
Biden Administration Urged to Increase Domestic Diesel Production
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to President Biden on Friday, calling on the administration to bring more domestic supply online. It would reduce costs to all Americans. “Our nation’s food supply is driven by diesel,” President Duvall said in the letter. “Every input that arrives on our farms and ranches is transported by a diesel engine, whether …
Florida BMP Inspections Put on Hold
The requirement that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) conduct Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation verification visits has been temporarily suspended for several counties impacted by Hurricane Ian. The action was taken Oct. 31 by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried. The 60-day suspension is effective for the counties of Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, …
Florida Ag Commissioner Statement on Initial Ian Damage Estimate
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) released a preliminary assessment of agricultural production losses associated with Hurricane Ian. The report estimates a potential loss of up to $1.56 billion for Florida producers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (FDACS) is expected to release its own findings later this week. “After speaking with producers and seeing the …
Low Citrus Crop Forecast for Florida Will Get Lower
The numbers are expected to further decline, as the season’s initial citrus forecast does not reflect Hurricane Ian damage. The annual gathering of Florida citrus industry members to hear the first crop forecast of the season looked a little different this year. While growers once again came together at Putnam Ranch in Zolfo Springs to listen to the U.S. Department …
Florida Farm Bureau Helping Growers in Ian’s Aftermath
Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members to assess the damage to farmers and ranchers across the state to determine their needs following Hurricane Ian last week. Farmers and ranchers are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings, fencing and other property loss due to substantial wind and water damage from the major storm. Southwest Florida farm families face weeks …
DeSantis Activates Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program on Tuesday. This makes $50 million available. At least $10 million must go to small businesses that are agricultural producers impacted by Hurricane Ian in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, …
Bacterial Spot a Concern for Fall Tomato Crop
By Clint Thompson Tomato season may have just ended in North Florida, but the fall crop will soon be planted. Josh Freeman, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor in horticultural science, estimates planting will begin around July 20-23. But growers should be mindful of one disease that could threaten the fall crop, especially amid …
Finding a Fit for Blackberries in Florida
By Frank Giles Blackberries have been produced in Florida for some time, but new efforts have been made to learn more about the crop to grow production and markets in the state. Blackberries have been proven to be a popular item at U-pick operations. For farmers who grow U-pick strawberries and blueberries, blackberries offer a way to extend the picking …
Opinion: It Is Time to Defend Domestic Specialty Crops
By Frank Giles As the heat of summer sets in, many specialty crops have finished their seasons in the Southeast. While most crops saw good production this season, markets were again impacted by foreign competition, especially from Mexico. Surging prices for key inputs like fertilizer didn’t help the situation. Even in specialty crops where volume was down due to weather, …