Wet Conditions are Hurting South Florida Vegetable Producers

Dec 21, 2020

By Pam Knox

A recent article in Vegetable and Specialty Crop News pointed out that recent rain of up to 3 inches in southern Florida have caused the muck soils there to hold water like a sponge. The effects on plants include stand loss and increased diseases on lettuce and beans. Fortunately, the weather for the next week looks pretty dry, which will help fields to lose some water. You can read more at https://vscnews.com/florida-increased-rainfall-producers/.

Damaged due to terrential rains in South bFlorida

Torrential rains in south Florida’s Redlands growing region severely damaged winter yellow squash, zucchini and green beans, as well as this field of corn grown by Alger Farms.

Source : uga.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.