Packed House for Citrus League Board Mtg – Many Issues On Table

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

Indian River Citrus League’s (IRCL) Board of Directors met Thursday attracting a large crowd of area growers to the meeting as always. The agenda included Citrus Department officials to discuss budget proposals and details about Federal Marketing Order ideas; several research updates; a legislative report from area Rep. Ralph Poppell (bottom left) himself a League member; and several other topics. …

Sunbelt FL Farmer Announced

Randall Weiseman Florida, General

It was announced this week by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation that Cary Lightsey, a Lake Wales producer, is the 2009 Florida Farmer of the Year. He will represent the state at the annual Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Ag Expo’s 2009 Farmer of the Year luncheon during the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo in Moultrie, Georgia on October 20, 2009.

Concern About Crop Disaster in Hastings Growing Area

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

(Gainesville, Fla.) ­ As heavy rains continue, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation today urged producers in the Hastings area to prepare for heavy crop losses. As much as 17 inches of rain has fallen in the area so far this week, assuring agricultural producers will have problems harvesting potatoes, cabbage, cantaloupe and other fresh vegetables, as well as sod.

Looking Ahead at Beef Checkoff

Randall Weiseman Beef, Cattle, Florida, Georgia

Beef industry representatives from across the country were in Denver for the 2010 checkoff planning meetings last week, which allowed state beef council execs a chance to hear about 2010 priorities and programs. Both Florida Beef Council’s Jim Handley and Georgia Beef Board’s Jim Collins talks about what was discussed at these meetings. FL: GA:

FDOC Tables Fed Mktg Order – League to Discuss Thursday in Vero

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

Confusion abounds among Florida citrus growers about a Federal Marketing Order being discussed that might bring in new funds for citrus research and maybe promotion too, depending on how the Order is structured. Some growers worry about losing control over citrus marketing efforts or research direction. Florida Citrus Mutual and others urged Citrus Commissioners Wednesday to pass a motion to …