Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod

Farmers recently met with the Department of Agriculture & Industries’ Plant Protection Unit in Irvington. Along with Commissioner Rick Pate, they toured Cottage Hills Nursery’s fulfillment center to highlight concerns among online plant distributors, showcase the industry’s future and discuss solutions to roadblocks growers face selling and shipping plants across state lines.

-Hunter McBrayer, division director

Beef, Meat Goat & Sheep

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency released insurance enhancements aimed at strengthening risk management and smoothing unpredictable market fluctuations for livestock producers. Farmers can protect gross margin with Livestock Gross Margin or declining market prices with Livestock Risk Protection. Programs go into effect July 1. Learn more at usda.gov.

-Brady Ragland, divisions director

Wheat & Feed Grain

The National Corn Growers Association’s National Corn Yield Contest deadline is July 31. State and national winners are recognized at the 2020 Commodity Classic. Learn more at ncga.com.

-Carla Hornady, division director

Dairy

A new web-based tool will help dairy producers evaluate scenarios using different coverage levels through the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, USDA announced. DMC replaces the Dairy Margin Protection Program. Sign-ups begin June 17. Access the tool at fsa.usda.gov/dmc-tool.

-Brian Hardin, Governmental & Ag Programs Department director

Wildlife

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved Amendment 50, which allows a better-balanced red snapper season. The amendment goes into effect in 2020 with approval of the secretary of commerce, gives each state control over its snapper season, and allows leeway in size and bag limits within federal guidelines.

-William Green, division director

Peanuts

According to a National Peanut Board survey, peanut consumption is rising, especially among millennials. Younger generations view peanuts and peanut butter as a good-for-you natural food, a source of protein, part of a well-balanced diet and a good source of nutrients. Fifty-seven percent of millennials surveyed eat peanut butter weekly.

-Jacob Davis, division director