Sea turtles digging their nests to lay eggs on Florida’s beaches face a new 21st century hazard: someone snapping a flash photo with a cell phone. March 1 was the official start…
Category: Farm & Outdoors
FWC approves new freshwater bass conservation measures
At its meeting Thursday, Feb. 11, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved sweeping changes to streamline bass regulations and increase effectiveness. Commissioners meeting at the Florida Institute of Public…
FWC working with private landowners to conserve wildlife
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is working with private landowners throughout the state to help provide better habitats for Florida’s native fish and wildlife. At its Feb. 11 meeting,…
Get ready for Florida’s spring turkey season with this advice
Hopefully, you’ve already started brushing up on your turkey calling, ’cause spring gobbler season is here. In March, whether you prefer to use a mouth call, box call, friction call or any…
March planting guide
With the arrival of warmer weather, gardening is on the minds of more people: here’s how to get planting in March. The Farmer’s Almanac estimates the average last frost to be March…
FWC considers modifying red snapper season
At its Feb. 10 meeting at the Florida Public Safety Institute near Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a draft rule to modify the 2016 Gulf of Mexico…
February planting guide
With January completed, certain tasks should also be complete in the garden. It is time to plant. January was for soil preparation. With the soil prepared and the garden planned, you can…
Grassroots event highlights contributions of family farms
Florida Farm Bureau members from across the state will meet with legislators during Florida Farm Bureau’s annual Legislative Days in Tallahassee, Feb. 2-3. The state’s largest general agricultural organization will host a…
Keep pets and livestock from becoming prey to wildlife
If you are like most Americans, your pet is a beloved member of the family. Having your pet injured or killed by a wild animal can be a tragic and traumatic event….
USDA begins 49th enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack would like to remind farmers and ranchers that the next general enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) began on Dec. 1, 2015, and will end on…
Slow down for manatees migrating to warmer waters
With winter’s chill approaching, Florida manatees are on the move. Manatees cannot tolerate cold water and may begin to seek warmer water when temperatures start to drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Some…
Bats take up residence in Madison’s abandoned tobacco barn
A colony of bats is causing concern to Madison residents. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials are assisting city officials with finding a solution. Several biologists, along with city officials…
Emerald Parsons earns Florida Farm Bureau’s Newsperson of the Year Award
Emerald Greene Parsons, the publisher of four north Florida newspapers, has received Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s 2015 Newsperson of the Year Award. She accepted the honor during an Oct. 29 session at…
Dan Buchanan receives Lifetime Farm Bureau Service Award
Dan Buchanan, of Madison received the Pat Cockrell Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 28, during the annual Farm Bureau state convention, for his lifelong dedication to serving agriculture and Florida Farm Bureau….
New USDA commitments to help build up next generation of farmers and ranchers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a commitment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years within USDA programs and services that serve new…
FWC changes deer hunting regulations
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has changed the hunting rules and regulations for the 2015-2016 deer hunting season. The purpose of the changes is to manage deer on a…
Lions Club’s Turkey Shoot set for Oct. 24
It is time again for the Madison Lions Club’s Annual Turkey Shoot. The shoot will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the open field in…
Hunter safety course offered in October
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a free traditional hunter safety course in two counties during October. All firearms, ammunition and materials are provided free of charge. Students…
Register now for the Special Livestock Show
Madison Farm Bureau’s Special Livestock Show will be held on Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with awards a 1 p.m. This is an event open to all youth,…
Gulf Coast Livestock Auction to be held in Madison in October
Gulf Coast Livestock Auction is coming to Madison from Friday, October 2 to Saturday, October 3 at 3856 State Road 53 South. On October 2, the auction will begin at 10 a.m….