Teaching Iraq Farmers
Iraq farmers are studying the U.S. system and Everett Griner tells us why.
Iraq farmers are studying the U.S. system and Everett Griner tells us why.

While talking to the Senate Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee this week, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack explained USDA’s new Animal ID plan and also discussed their proposals for conservation funding in the next fiscal year.

2010 is more than shifting funds. What? Everett Griner tells us.
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.
Agriculture is hampered by major media. Why? Everett Griner explains.
A recent survey of beef and dairy producers across the nation has found producer approval of the beef checkoff has increased from 68 percent in 2009 to 69 percent in 2010.
Download Audio
A copy of the research report is available at beefboard.org
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack believes some form of an animal disease traceability system must be in place and that’s why their new approach is to build a system starting with on the state and tribal levels to hopefully obtain greater participation among those in the livestock industry.

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.
In celebration of Food Checkout Week, the following four reports focus on the theme of Stretching Your Grocery Dollar with Healthy, Nutritious Food.
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.
Considering the present state budget situation it is important that industry supporters come together to support youth programs like 4-H. Among the many ways to do so, a quality item donation for the upcoming 13th annual Florida 4-H Reception and Auction. This year a silent auction will be held in conjunction with the popular annual Florida Farm Bureau Legislative Reception March 16th in Tallahassee at the Civic Center. There are quality items in this auction, and 4-H needs more of them to include. Find the details on how to donate, and how to attend, visit http://florida4h.org/foundation/auction.shtml
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson (w/ hat in photos) hosted numerous media
outlets and about a hundred guests Tuesday at a bioenergy test project in Ocala. This process helps manage animal wastes while also producing energy and agricultural by-products. Sigarca, Inc.’s experiemental Bioenergy Plant is set up at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala, FL, where it processes horse manure into renewable energy, organic soil and bio-fertilizers. Read the rest of this entry »
The Obama Administration is rethinking channels for older animals such as dairy cows used for ground beef when it comes to their approach to meat inspections.
Download Audio

Americans are eating cheaper than anyone and Everett Griner is here to tell us how much cheaper.
The Family Farm Preservation Act has passed in the Alabama Senate and will now be assigned to a House of Representatives committee for consideration.
Details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations have been issued, as Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said the final rule gives consumers confidence there is a consistent pasture standards applicable to all dairy products.

Help for Haiti from the farm sector. Everett Griner tells us about it.
Today starts a three day whirlwind tour by Environmental Protection Agency officials out to hear what Florida stakeholders have to say about new numeric nutrient water standards. These EPA proposals only affect the state of Florida, although opponents say the issue could appear in other states if EPA is successful in singling out Florida this time. Southeast AgNet’s coverage of this EPA numeric nutrient water standards issue began early on, a year ago, and many stories about it are archived in this website. The following hearing schedule update was received this week from EPA: Read the rest of this entry »
HumaneWatch.org Scrutinizes Biggest American Animal Rights Group, Separates Fact from Fiction
Washington, D.C. (News Release, Center for Consumer Freedom, 2/16/10) – Today the Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) is announcing the launch of HumaneWatch.org, a watchdog project dedicated to analyzing the activities of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). HumaneWatch will include a blog written by CCF’s Director of Research, a growing document library, and a database capable of tracking the dozens of nonprofit (and for-profit) organizations that make up HSUS’s sprawling financial empire. Read the rest of this entry »
Dairy efficiency is improving and Everett Griner explains how.

It’s just not like it used to be. Today there is healthier, tastier foods being served in our school lunchrooms. Everett Griner tells us why.
2009 was not a good year for farmers. What will 2010 bring? Everett Griner talks on it today.
USDA is changing their direction and approach when it comes creating a system for animal identification and disease trace-back, as their Chief Veterinarian, Dr. John Clifford, says the new approach being taken will address a number of concerns.
America still stands alone and Everett Griner tells us how and why.
After receiving thousands of comments, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said it’s apparent that a new strategy for animal disease traceability is needed, and thus he’s decided to revise the prior policy and offer a new approach to animal disease traceability.
Download Audio
More information on USDA’s new direction on animal traceability and the steps to improve disease prevention and control is available at www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability

Farm critics are speaking loudly. Is anyone listening? Everett Griner answers this.
Everett Griner explains how buyers of stolen property can help.
Special districts warn EPA rules mean higher taxes, eminent domain and less effective South Florida canals
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Association of Special Districts warned today that the new water regulations for Florida proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would severely weaken the flood protection provided by Florida’s water control and improvement districts, especially in the South Florida region, which was often inundated by floods before the construction of the region’s complex canal system. Read the rest of this entry »
There is a new concept in helping people and Everett Griner tells us about it.