farm bill

Farm Bill Implementation Listening Session Open to Producers

Web AdminFarm Bill, Industry News Release

Register by February 22! The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a listening session for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency. Each agency will take into account stakeholder input when making discretionary decisions on …

strawberry

Aromatic Strawberry Variety Grows in South Florida

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Research, Strawberry

As National Strawberry Day approaches on Feb. 27, University of Florida (UF) scientists have found another variety that can grow in South Florida. It’s largely unknown to American consumers, it’s temptingly tasty and it’s good for local markets, UF researchers say. Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), led …

Herbicide Update for Growers

Web AdminProduce, Research, Top Posts

By Alison DeLoach Rely, an herbicide used as an alternative to glyphosate, has recently been transferred from Bayer to BASF. This transfer of rights has raised questions for growers about whether BASF will support use of the herbicide. Stanley Culpepper, a weed scientist with the University of Georgia, shared his thoughts on Rely.  Bayer, the previous manufacturer and marketer of …

What’s Stalling the USMCA?

Web AdminLegislative, Top Posts, USMCA

After months of renegotiation talks, trade representatives revealed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is poised to replace the current North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). However, there have been changes in Washington, D.C., following the general election that may stall the USMCA. Bill Lane, executive director of Trade for America, briefly discussed this issue during his presentation at the recent …

desantis

Lake Okeechobee Brouhaha Heats Up

Web AdminEnvironment, Water

by Gary Cooper The series of public meetings about Lake Okeechobee water levels and related issues continues this week in South Florida, hosted by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. According to last-minute media announcements this morning, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL 18th District), is expected to attend the first of two public meetings today at 1:00 p.m. at Indian …

How Changes in D.C. Will Impact Ag

Web AdminLegislative, Top Posts

Changes are happening in Washington, D.C., and some of them will impact agriculture. Robert Redding, an agricultural lobbyist, discussed these changes during the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Bob Goodlatte, former House representative, has retired, thus vacating his seat as chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “He (Goodlatte) was a leader on ag labor reform,” …

Georgia Grape Growers Faced with Fungicide Resistance

Web AdminGrapes, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine

The wine grape industry in Georgia is on the rise. While vineyards have been present in Georgia for the past four decades, the industry has been gaining significant traction in the last 10 to 15 years. Since the industry is relatively new, it is still fragile and some of the challenges, like downy mildew resistance, are unpredictable. Downy mildew is …

benjamin butler

South Florida’s Water Politics Raising Questions

Web AdminEnvironment, Water

By Gary Cooper One of several bombshells dropping at last week’s South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) governing board meeting was the resignation of district executive director Ernie Marks.  In the audio clip below, Governing Board Member and Vice Chair Brandon Tucker echoed the feelings of several other board members about Marks’ resignation:  There was no quorum at last week’s …

Blueberry Event Gives Growers Hands-On Experience

Web AdminBerries, Top Posts

By Alison DeLoach Pests and diseases are always top of mind for blueberry growers. To help growers better understand how to identify these issues, Juanita Popenoe, a University of Florida (UF) commercial fruit production Extension agent for Orange, Lake and Marion counties, hosted a hands-on event at the Lake County Extension center in Tavares. Blueberry growers had the opportunity to …

benjamin butler

Executive Resigns, Politics Exposed at SFWMD Board Meeting

Web AdminWater

Soon-to-exit South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) governing board members offered parting comments at the SFWMD governing board meeting in West Palm Beach. The entire board was asked to resign and put under pressure to do so by Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Florida Congressman Brian Mast, who is advising the governor on agricultural and environmental issues. The resignations were …