In these features, AgNet’s Ernie Neff reports the highlights of this week’s meeting of Citrus Commissioners in Lakeland, FL. In the first segment, Neff talks about millions of dollars of research funding that was approved for funding and given the go ahead. In the second report, more about how the present economic downturn is also impacting food marketing efforts across …
FL Discussing Re-opening of Export Facility
Talks are underway to try and once again open the export facility at Indiantown, Florida. This facility being closed has really affected many including those who ship live cattle.
FFB Sponsors Ag Labor Seminar
Florida Farm Bureau co-sponsored an Ag Labor Seminar along with the U.S. Department of Labor. Some of the Topics covered included the H2A agricultural worker program and Migrant and Seasonal Worker Protection Act, and the role and authority of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Department of Health’s brand new housing regulations were also discussed as well as …
SFWMD Approves U S Sugar Deal
Here’s the news release from U S Sugar, released shortly after the SFWMD meetings this week. SFWMD APPROVES HISTORIC DEAL TO EFFECT REAL AND MEANINGFUL RESTORATION OF FLORIDA’S EVERGLADES CLEWISTON – (U S Sugar Corp.) — December 16, 2008 — After many months of tough negotiations and due diligence, the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board approved the contract …
FL Imported Pork Recalled
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says fresh pork products are being recalled in Florida, New York and Massachusetts.
Beef Checkoff Survey Underway
The annual random survey of producers nationwide to measure understanding and support of the beef checkoff and gather input is now underway.
Slow Start for Crops
It seems like we have been putting on the jackets a little more than usual for this time of year and USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey explains how our cool start this season has affected the crops and pastures.
Citrus Psyllid Spray Schedule Advice and IPM Research Ongoing
In these two reports, timely comments from University of Florida entomologist Phil Stansly who works out of UF’s Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, FL. In the first report, Stansly offers some of the latest recommendations for spray scheduling for controlling the citrus psyllid. In both reports, Stansly discusses concerns and progress being made in Integrated Pest Management …
EQIP Makes Conservation Painless
With all the recent talk about water conservation, converting your old traveling gun irrigation system to a center pivot is one way you can do your part. Mark Garrett, shop manager of Kirkland Sod in New Smyrna Beach says that thanks to the Florida NRCS EQIP program the process is relatively painless.
BMP’s for Pest Management in Vegetable Crops
This information, and this vegetable BMP document (click here) come to us from Gene McAvoy, County Extension Director and Regional Vegetable Agent IV in Hendry County, FL: This report summarizes the discussion and subsequent general Best Management Practice (BMP)recommendations of research and Extension vegetable entomologists and crop consultants from primary vegetable-producing states. During a meeting held in May 2008 in …