January 2018 e-Newsletter

 

HEADLINE NEWS

AFBF Annual Meeting
More than 75 Florida Farm Bureau members will travel to AFBF’s 99th Annual Convention, Jan. 5-10, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee this weekend. Florida YF&R contestants Michael Rogalsky, Courtney Davis and Brittany Lee will compete for national titles in the Discussion Meet, Excellence in Ag and Achievement in Ag Award.  Florida voting delegates will also weigh in on numerous agricultural policy issues of importance to Florida farm families.

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Road to Recovery
Florida farmers and ranchers suffering from agricultural losses or expenses due to Hurricane Irma are encouraged to apply for Hurricane Irma relief. The online application is simple and anyone involved in production agriculture experiencing a loss from Hurricane Irma is eligible for relief.
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Agriculture Census Deadline Nears
Hundreds of Florida Farm Bureau members provided public comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to repeal the Waters of the U.S or WOTUS rule. By repealing the rule, EPA is able to craft a new rule that considers the progress and efforts private landowners and state agencies are taking to comply with the Clean Water Act while maintaining private property rights.
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Best Management Practices Data Needed from Farmers 
Florida farmers and ranchers are encouraged to participate in an upcoming survey on Best Management Practices (BMP) implementation to show the Legislature and the public that agriculture is serious about the sustainability of our water resources.
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Two Florida Farmers Recognized as 4R Advocates 
Glenn Beck of Windermere and Rob Watson of Frostproof are among five farmer and fertilizer retailers who are implementing innovative and sustainable 4R fertilizer management practices on the farm to increase production and reduce their environmental impact. The two will be honored at the awards banquet hosted by The Fertilizer Institute at the 2018 Commodity Classic in Anaheim, California, where they will also represent the 4R program during the Commodity Classic tradeshow.
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IN THE COMMUNITY
Toy Drive Success in Dade County
Jorge Abreu of the Dade County Farm Bureau looks over more than 200 toys for children of area farmworkers.
Florida Author Captures Rural Florida
Alachua County author Debra Segal welcomes readers to take a trip back through rural Florida and historic Crown Road with The Idylwild Cowgirls, a story of friendship and horses.
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FARM RAISED. FARM PROUD.
Sarah Carte, WLC Chairman
Sarah Carte, a Suwannee County native and a true farmwoman, is the chair of the Florida Farm Bureau’s State Women’s Leadership Committee. Born into a farm family, Carte has deep roots in Suwannee County agriculture.
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COMMODITY CORNER
AFBF Market Intel: Year-end Livestock Report Summary
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS) released their year-end Livestock Reports in December. AFBF summarized the USDA NASS report to cap off their 2017 Market Intel reports. AFBF Livestock Market Report.
Check out what’s going on around Florida at our Industry Insight web page.
AG TALK
Farm Bureau helps reinvigorate Walton County 4-H
Jack Payne, UF/IFAS Cheyenne Duncan was a fast-rising 4-H star in Walton County. Then, her freshman year of high school happened. 
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PUBLIC POLICY
FEDERAL
A New Year with New Opportunities for FedPAC
Florida Farm Bureau FedPAC rounded out a great year with the County Board Fundraising Campaign. A special shout out to Volusia, Lake, Polk, Washington, and Duval counties for their robust participation in our year-long fundraising effort. FFBF commends all county FB boards and their directors who graciously registered their commitment to FedPAC throughout 2017.
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STATE
Legislative Priorities for 2018
As Hurricane Irma ripped up the spine of Florida back on Sept. 11, the overarching goals set for the 2018 legislative session immediately changed. Not only did the storm cause at least $2.5 billion in economic damages to agriculture, it shifted the focus of the entire state and will have a profound impact on the legislative session that begins this month.
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THIS FARM CARES
James and Jean Farley, Farley Cattle Company
James and Jean Farley have owned Farley Cattle Company in Penney Farms since 1969. They use rotational grazing and fenced areas to preserve the natural water bodies. Find out more how James and Jean use Best Management Practices and are farmers who CARE.
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
GPS Fields Area Measure
This app can be used as a measurement tool by anyone needing to calculate distance accurately, angle area and volume information. It is reputable amongst farmers and farm contractors and is a lead measuring app in the industry.  Available for download on iPhone and Android.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Workboots.com
New Year. New Boots (and more!) Start Saving.
AG UPDATES
Three Florida Teachers Win 2018 State Agriculture Award
Trump Administration Appoints Sydney Gruters as USDA Rural Development State Director
3-D Imaging Protects Sows and Piglets

2017 Cover Crop Survey Analysis (SARE)
USDA Hosts Public Listening Sessions
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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