A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ANDROS ISLAND IN THE BAHAMAS.
A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS FROM OCEAN REEF SOUTHWARD…INCLUDING THE DRY TORTUGAS.
AT 800 PM EDT THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IKE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 21.1 NORTH…LONGITUDE 75.2 WEST OR ABOUT 60 MILES NORTH OF GUANTANAMO CUBA.
IKE IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 14 MPH. A WEST TO WEST-NORTHWEST MOTION IS EXPECTED TONIGHT AND MONDAY. ON THIS TRACK…THE CORE OF THE HURRICANE WILL MOVE OVER EASTERN CUBA LATER TONIGHT AND EARLY MONDAY…AND NEAR OR OVER CENTRAL CUBA LATER ON
MONDAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 120 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. IKE IS A CATEGORY THREE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME WEAKENING IS LIKELY AS IKE MOVES OVER EASTERN AND CENTRAL CUBA DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO.
HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 60 MILES FROM THE CENTER…AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 145 MILES.
THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 945 MB…27.91 INCHES.
USDA last week announced almost $20 million in USDA Rural Development assistance under the Value-Added Producer Grant program.
Florida received over $110,000 in grants for two projects awarded to Florida Farm Bureau and Zephyr Egg Company. Georgia received almost a million dollars in value added grants, including $300,000 each for Decatur Fish Farm and Dubberly Seafood, $270,000 for Resaca Sun Fuels and $32,000 for the Georgia Pomegranate Association
Georgia cotton and peanut growers should be planning to attend the combined Cotton and Peanut Research Tour at the UGA Tifton campus on Wednesday, September 10 starting at 9 am.
The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is urging Florida growers to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency requesting the agency reevaluate its proposed Reregistration Eligibility Decisions for several important soil fumigants. The EPA has extended the comment period through Oct. 30.
FFBF Agricultural Policy Division assistant director Joshua Craft talks about why this is so important and how growers can go about making comments.
Now that the salmonella stpaul outbreak has been officially declared over, officials are evaluating what steps can be taken to avoid a repeat in the future.
Dr. Gary Adams with the National Cotton Council recently led a delegation to China, which included visits with officials, researchers, inspectors and textile mill operators in Beijing and Shanghai.
This week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight from Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is on how Florida teachers and other youth activity coordinators with students aged 10 to 15 can win a cooking session to learn “Xtreme Cuisine” techniques for preparing healthy, kid-friendly recipes.
Comments in this story from Ben Albritton, wearing his grower and grove caretaker hat when asked what he would say to growers having to deal with standing water in their groves from recent storm activity. Albritton is also Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission right now, and was among several hundred citrus growers attending the re-scheduled Citrus Expo Seminars Thursday at UF/CREC at Lake Alfred.
In this report we share reaction comments from citrus grower & caretaker, who’s also Citrus Commission Chairman Ben Albritton of Wauchula, who offers these comments about the re-scheduled Citrus Expo seminars attended by about 350 growers and others Thursday September 4. To Ben and all the other 350 or so growers who participated at both locations we also say “Thanks” for coming out on what was a beautiful day at UF’s Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) at Lake Alfred, and the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee.
Russia has banned imports from 19 U.S. poultry suppliers as of Monday and could add another 29 companies. Russian officials say the ban was issued because those companies use antibiotics and other chemicals in their products. However, American officials say the ban is in retaliation to U.S. officials criticizing Russia for the use of military force against Georgia. Among the companies targeted in the ban were Tyson, Peco and the Equity Group.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson has asked Governor Charlie Crist to seek federal disaster declarations from the federal government for 36 Florida counties battered by high winds, excessive rainfall, flooding or tornados from Tropical Storm Fay.
Because of standing water that remains in some areas of Florida, Bronson stated that additional counties could be added to the list of counties requiring such a designation, whose threshold is agricultural losses of at least 30 percent.
With continued food safety concerns focused on fresh produce, the Food and Drug Administration is now permitting growers and importers to irradiate spinach and iceberg lettuce.
A crowd of more than 5,000 attended an AgNite celebration held in conjunction with the Republican National Convention this week. I was there and one of the people I talked to who attended was the honorable John Block, former agriculture secretary under President Reagen.
In response to requests from groups representing manufacturers and users of soil fumigants, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period for reregistration of soil fumigant pesticides including methyl bromide. EPA had opened a 60-day public comment period in July but it has now been extended for an additional 45 days, closing on October 30.
EPA is requiring important new safety measures for soil fumigant pesticides to increase protections for agricultural workers and bystanders - people who live, work, or otherwise spend time near fields that are fumigated. These measures are included in risk management Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) for the soil fumigants chloropicrin, dazomet, and metam sodium/potassium (including methyl isothiocyanate or MITC) methyl bromide.
Producers are strongly urged to provide comments on how the changes would affect their business. Information about how to provide comments can be found on-line under the Federal Register for July 16.
USDA is making good progress in getting the 2008 farm bill implemented, but Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer says they know it will take more time than he has in office.
The President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Andy Groseta, wants producers to know that NCBA is working together with others in the industry to help them with Country of Origin Labeling which starts at the end of the month.
Citrus Growers voted with their attendance this week at the re-scheduled Citrus Expo Seminars. About 300 at Lake Alfred and 50 or so in Immokalee attended the day long series of talks, focusing on the very latest research information about citrus greening. Bayer CropScience also used the event to help launch their new product “Movento”, and attendees enjoyed Love Boat Ice Cream at Bayer’s Ice Cream Social throughout the day. Stay tuned as we bring you interview clips with many of the speakers and other news gathered at this year’s Citrus Expo Seminars. A special thank you for all who attended, and all who helped set up for these events at both the CREC in Lake Alfred, and SWFREC in Immokalee. Hear more, and some grower reactions, in these two reports.
Alabama’s Natural Resources Conservation Service invites producers to an Irrigated Intensive Grazing System tour on October 8th. Foy Kirkland in Morgan County explains what they will be showing that day.
To reserve your spot for the tour call the Morgan County NRCS office at 256-773-6541.
Tropical Soda Apple is still a threat to many landowners across Florida, but University of Florida’s Brent Sellers says while there are many tools to use to help control it, research efforts continue.
The President of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Mike McCravy, knows it’s important for all of agriculture to work together to promote the industry.
The Federation of State Beef Councils recently announced they have approved funding in Florida, which Jim Handley of the Florida Beef Council says will be used for a couple of promotions.
Jim Collins with the Georgia Beef Board said thanks to the Federation of State Beef Councils, they have been able to secure funding to take part again this year in the taste of Atlanta, an event that many consumers will attend.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ANDROS ISLAND IN THE BAHAMAS.
Georgia cotton and peanut growers should be planning to attend the combined Cotton and Peanut Research Tour at the UGA Tifton campus on Wednesday, September 10 starting at 9 am. 
The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is urging Florida growers to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency requesting the agency reevaluate its proposed Reregistration Eligibility Decisions for several important soil fumigants. The EPA has extended the comment period through Oct. 30. 
Dr. Gary Adams with the National Cotton Council recently led a delegation to China, which included visits with officials, researchers, inspectors and textile mill operators in Beijing and Shanghai.
This week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight from Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is on how Florida teachers and other youth activity coordinators with students aged 10 to 15 can win a cooking session to learn “Xtreme Cuisine” techniques for preparing healthy, kid-friendly recipes. 
the re-scheduled Citrus Expo seminars attended by about 350 growers and others Thursday September 4. To Ben and all the other 350 or so growers who participated at both locations we also say “Thanks” for coming out on what was a beautiful day at UF’s Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) at Lake Alfred, and the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee.
A crowd of more than 5,000 attended an AgNite celebration held in conjunction with the Republican National Convention this week. I was there and one of the people I talked to who attended was the honorable John Block, former agriculture secretary under President Reagen.
USDA is making good progress in getting the 2008 farm bill implemented, but Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer says they know it will take more time than he has in office.
September 16th is the final date to pay a required fee for the supplemental disaster signup as Tyron Spearman has the details.
The President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Andy Groseta, wants producers to know that NCBA is working together with others in the industry to help them with Country of Origin Labeling which starts at the end of the month.
Dyan Kennedy with the Alabama Department of Agriculture has a look at this week’s cattle market prices from across the state.
Everett Griner talks today about just what you don’t see on some of these cooking shows on TV.
Citrus Growers voted with their attendance this week at the re-scheduled Citrus Expo Seminars. About 300 at Lake Alfred and 50 or so in Immokalee attended the day long series of talks, focusing on the very latest research information about citrus greening. Bayer CropScience also used the event to help launch their new product “Movento”, and attendees enjoyed Love Boat Ice Cream at Bayer’s Ice Cream Social throughout the day. 
Stay tuned as we bring you interview clips with many of the speakers and other news gathered at this year’s Citrus Expo Seminars. A special thank you for all who attended, and all who helped set up for these events at both the CREC in Lake Alfred, and SWFREC in Immokalee. Hear more, and some grower reactions, in these two reports.
Tropical Soda Apple is still a threat to many landowners across Florida, but University of Florida’s Brent Sellers says while there are many tools to use to help control it, research efforts continue. 
The President of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Mike McCravy, knows it’s important for all of agriculture to work together to promote the industry.
The Georgia representative in the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition Farmer of the Year contest has been announced, as Tyron Spearman has the details.
The Federation of State Beef Councils recently announced they have approved funding in Florida, which Jim Handley of the Florida Beef Council says will be used for a couple of promotions.
Jim Collins with the Georgia Beef Board said thanks to the Federation of State Beef Councils, they have been able to secure funding to take part again this year in the taste of Atlanta, an event that many consumers will attend.
