Southeast AgNET

The rural post office is vanishing. Why? Everett Griner looks into this today and tells us his view.

Download Audio

Florida agriculture industry volunteers are encouraged to take part in the seventh annual Agriculture Literacy Day, to be held Tuesday March 23, 2010. More information and online registration is available on Florida Agriculture in the Classroom’s website.

Download Audio

A study supported in part by the Agricultural Research Service underscores the importance of vitamin D and its ability to help the body utilize calcium.

Download Audio

Farm Bureau members from across the state will be joining together Tuesday, March 16 for Farm Bureau day in Tallahassee. Florida Farm Bureau director of state legislative affairs, Ben Parks, says this event is a major citizens lobbying effort at our state capitol. Click here for the details.

Download Audio

The Majestic Long Leaf Pine is on a comeback and Everett Griner tells us about it.

Download Audio

For this week’s Georgia Legislative Report, Georgia Agribusiness Council’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Bryan Tolar, says the main issues remain budget and water.

Download Audio

The second week of the 2010 Florida Legislative Session was a good one for agriculture as Florida Farm Bureau director of state legislative affairs, Ben Parks, says they saw good progress on their General Ag Bill.

Download Audio

The Family Farm Preservation Act is now expected to face a final vote in the Alabama House of Representatives later this month.

Download Audio

The Let’s Move Initiative has announced a contest to design video games to encourage better nutrition and more exercise among kids and adults.

Download Audio

Here’s this week’s 03-12-10 edition of Florida Farm Bureau’s
Ag Watch (pdf file) from the FFB Legislative office in Tallahassee.

The mid-term elections coming up in November will be critical, accordign to Colin Woodall with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and that’s why he says it’s important that producers know exactly the position their legislators.

Download Audio

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.

Download Audio

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 »

National School Breakfast Week has been underway, as Tyron Spearman looks at how the Farm Bill is very instrumental in child nutritional efforts in our schools.

Download Audio

Everett Griner tells us the real truth about how hard work earns very little profit.

Download Audio

As the EPA takes some time to go back for another look at the proposed nutrient criteria for Florida waters, Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson says one of the main concerns is whether the standards are based on science and if they can realistically ever be met.

Download Audio

The Parental Authority bill before the Florida Legislature this session is one that’s being watched closely by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and others in agriculture across the state. And State Representative Mike Horner of Kissimmee told me it’s an issue that’s near and dear to his heart.

Download Audio

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.

Download Audio

During his recent address to the School Nutrition Association regarding the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, took the opportunity to recognize farmers and their efforts.

Download Audio

Download Audio

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

Download Audio

By KEITH LAING – THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, March 10, 2010……Days after state environmental officials detailed to lawmakers their objections to federal water pollution standards opposed by the much of the state’s business and farming communities, a congressman running for agriculture commissioner said a deal could be in the water.
U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, who joined the rest of the Florida congressional delegation in asking the federal Environmental Protection Agency to extend the period for public comment on the water standards, told the News Service that a third party arbiter could be brought into make the differing federal and state scientific analyses water under the bridge. Read the rest of this entry »

The cowboy hats were very visible at the Florida state capitol today as members of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association were on hand to talk with legislators. And while there they were able to see part of the legislative session as lawmakers convened this afternoon to talk about some of the issues before the state government.

Knowing that proposed budget cuts to various aspects of agriculture are among some of the concerns of cattlemen, I was able to talk with Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson who told me it’s still a question as to how this is all going to play out while Jim Strickland, President-elect of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, said whether it’s the budget or any of the other many issues discussed, this was a very important visit for those in the state’s cattle industry.

Download Audio

The U.S. is now the leader in having resistant weeds. Why? Everett Griner explains.

Download Audio

There has been a pause in the action regarding the EPA’s proposed nutrient water quality standards. Thanks in part to an effort headed up by District 2 Florida State Representative, Dave Murzin.

Download Audio

For more information visit the EPA Water Quality Standards site.

The official start of spring isn’t until March 20, but USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says you may already be hearing the term meteorological spring.

Download Audio

Florida Cattlemen’s Association members are in Tallahassee for their annual Legislative Quarterly meeting, as their Director of Governmental Affairs Sam Ard, says there are various issues for them to discuss with legislators.

Download Audio

Everett Griner explains how resources and population growth are positive assets.

Download Audio

With the Florida Legislature now in full swing for the 2010 session, Ag Commissioner Charles Bronson says the budget issues they are facing are extremely difficult, but he hopes our representatives remember what a mainstay agriculture is to the Florida economy.

Download Audio

Agricultural Research Service scientists are working to develop new and tasty whole-grain oat or barley breads that offer antioxidants, fiber, and other components in an array different from that found in traditional whole-wheat breads.

Download Audio

The American Farm Bureau Federation is supporting National Ground Water Awareness Week by urging Farm Bureau members to schedule an annual water well checkup.

Download Audio