Ag in Review for the Week of March 08, 2010
A highlight of agricultural news for this week from around the Southeast.
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A highlight of agricultural news for this week from around the Southeast.
To hear weekly reviews subscribe to our podcast .
Florida’s Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Industry has issued a pest alert as a new exotic mealybug has been found in southern Florida, marking the first time that the pest has been found in the United States.
The U.S. Senate this week approved a disaster package which would help farmers affected by weather-related disasters, as this was actually a part of the Tax Extenders Act of 2009.
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TALLAHASSEE (FDACS) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have joined together in a cooperative effort to prevent giant African snails (GAS) from making their way into Florida and are asking the public for help. Giant African snails are considered a serious plant pest and potential threat to public health because of their ability to destroy plants, damage ornamental plants and spread disease. Giant African snails are illegal to import into the United States without a permit, and currently no permits have been issued. Read the rest of this entry »

With decision time facing farmers on what to plant this year, Joe Nicosia, CEO of Allenberg Cotton Company, gives his outlook on the planting intentions for world and U.S. cotton acres.
The recent news of Brazil announcing measures which affect the U.S. cotton industry has drawn concern from certain Senators as Tyron Spearman has the story.
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Iraq farmers are studying the U.S. system and Everett Griner tells us why.
Eric Prostko, extension weed specialist with the University of Georgia, says palmer ameranth is forcing Georgia cotton producers to change their management techniques.
Tyron Spearman today has the latest peanut market information and also looks at why many crops this year will not be receiving counter-cyclical payments.
Peanuts:
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Payments:
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The U.S. is now the leader in having resistant weeds. Why? Everett Griner explains.
Brazil has moved to retaliate against the United States over U.S. cotton subsidies with a list totaling 102 products including both agricultural and industrial goods.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 98 counties in Georgia as primary natural disaster areas due to excessive rainfall that occurred from September 2009, and continuing.

Everett Griner explains how resources and population growth are positive assets.
According to USDA Outlook Board Chairman, Gerry Bange, cotton producers are having a little better marketing year this year and could see even higher prices and more production in the coming season.
USDA has announced they will issue approximately $121 million in partial 2009-crop counter-cyclical payments to producers with upland cotton and peanut base acres enrolled in USDA’s Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment (DCP) program, as Tyron Spearman has the details.
For more information on the direct and counter-cyclical payment programs including a table displaying the target price, projected average market price, loan rate, direct payment rate, effective price and projected counter-cyclical rates, visit your local FSA office or the FSA DCP Website: www.fsa.usda.gov/dcp.

2010 is more than shifting funds. What? Everett Griner tells us.
Georgia cotton referendum ballots must be postmarked by midnight Friday, March 5.

During a Senate panel earlier this week, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, defended a proposal for controversial changes to the agreements the department has with crop insurance companies.

University of Georgia Extension Plant Pathologist, Dr. Bob Kimmerait, says there a few key things to know when managing nematodes.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey predicts cooler than normal weather for much of the country, and wet conditions in the South during the period from March 9 to 15.

2010 is an off year for farm markets. Everett Griner tells us why.
Well time is getting short for the Georgia Cotton Referendum with ballots due for postmark by Friday, March 5th. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission and the referendum contact the office in Perry at 478.988.4235.
Agriculture is hampered by major media. Why? Everett Griner explains.

Well all producers face a multitude of issues but Andy Warlick, CEO of Parkdale Mills, explaines one of the top concerns for cotton growers.

Would you like to donate an item to be auctioned off? Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff gives us information about this event and go to http://florida4h.org/foundation/auction.shtml for all of the details.
Many in the peanut industry and other sectors of agriculture are concerned about the proposed cuts by the Obama administration, as Tyron Spearman has the details.
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Board Chairman of the Georgia Cotton Commission, Louie Perry, wants to remind cotton producers about the Georgia Cotton Referendum as the ballots are due next Friday, March 5, 2010.
New technology must be developed because population growth is not slowing down. Everett Griner explains to us how many people will have to be fed in the near future.
There are changes coming to the crop insurance program which Tyron Spearman explains for growers along with a reminder about the sales closing date which is just days away for the 2010 crop.
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Americans are eating cheaper than anyone and Everett Griner is here to tell us how much cheaper.