Biotechnology and GMO labeling, Waters of the U.S., and soil health were just a few of the issues on the mind of National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention last week. Bowling says corn growers are very concerned about the growing number of initiatives nationwide called for labeling of GMO products, and … Read More
Lower Rate for N YIELD CX Nitrogen Stabilizer
During the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk meeting last week, Eco Agro Resources announced a new N YIELD CX label that includes a new high-efficiency, lower rate for the 2015 season. According to the company, testing during the 2014 growing season confirmed that N YIELD CX makes stabilized nitrogen fertilizer more affordable and is equally effective. Testing showed … Read More
USDA Proposes Changes to CSP
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced proposed changes to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and says USDA is now seeking comments on those changes. “Farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial forestland owners enrolled in the Conservation Stewardship Program are our nation’s conservation leaders as they go the extra mile to conserve our natural resources,” Vilsack said. “This program continues to enable owners … Read More
Ag, Interior Departments Measure Conservation Water Quality
The USDA and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a new partnership agreement that will provide a clearer picture of the benefits of farmers’ conservation practices on the quality of our Nation’s water. Working together, USDA’s NRCS and DOI’s USGS will quantify the benefits of voluntary agricultural practices at a watershed scale. This information will strengthen the effectiveness … Read More
Precision Sugarcane Harvesting
2014 CTIC Conservation in Action Tour Photo Album In addition to seeing sugarcane planting on the the 2014 CTIC Conservation in Action tour, we also got to see harvesting – yes, they can do both at the same time of year in the sunny south! “We harvest with one mechanical harvester per row, each one geared with auto steer and … Read More
Water Policy in Florida
Florida is the third largest state in terms of population and the 14th in agricultural production, so competition for water resources is fierce in the Sunshine State. “Population growth is a big factor in driving water use demand and that will continue in Florida,” said Richard Budell, who is director of water policy for the Florida Department of Agriculture and … Read More
Depts. of Ag, Interior to Measure Conservation Impacts
A new partnership between the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior looks to better measure the impacts of farmers’ conservation practices on the quality of the country’s water. Officials say the information gathered will strengthen the effectiveness of state and federal nutrient reduction strategies while protecting the privacy of individual farmers. “On a voluntary basis, the agricultural community has … Read More
Precision Sugarcane Planting
2014 CTIC Conservation in Action Tour Photo Album Planting at U.S. Sugar Corporation is done with precision, as we found out on the 2014 CTIC Conservation in Action tour last week in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Steven Stiles, U.S. Sugar farm manager, says cane is a “ratoonable crop” which refers to the stalks that are called ratoons and normally one … Read More
Rice as a Cover Crop in the Everglades
Rice has become an environmentally sensible cover crop option for sugarcane growers in the Everglades Agricultural Area. During the 2014 CTIC Conservation in Action tour last week, we heard about this from the agriculture program leader for the University of Florida Palm Beach County Extension Service, who is aptly named Ron Rice. “It’s much more than a cover crop, it’s … Read More
Growing Leaf Crops in the Everglades
2014 CTIC Conservation in Action Tour Photo Album Paul Orsenigo has been farming in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) for nearly 30 years, growing sugarcane and rice as well as a wide variety of leafy vegetables. The operation where he grows several types of lettuce, cilantro, parsley, Chinese cabbage, spinach and more was one of our stops this week on … Read More