Alabama’s capitol city was busy with a variety of events the past couple of days all tied to the swearing-in of elected officials.  Report (1:30 wma)
Florida Property Tax Hearings
One of the biggest legislative issues for Florida agriculture this year is property tax reform and Ben Parks with Florida Farm Bureau says lawmakers will be holding a series of hearings on the issue, starting January 25 in Panama City. Report (1:30 wma)
Soil Testing Makes Sense
With the high cost of fertilizer these days, one of the smartest moves a farmer can make before planting is to get a good soil sample test done. Eddie Jolly, agronomist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama says soil testing could save producers money. Report (1:30 wma)
USDA: Report on Weekend California Citrus Freeze
This report contains news from USDA radio, discussing the bitter cold gripping California citrus & vegetable growing areas in recent days. Report (2:00 wma)
FL Commissioner’s Spotlight
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson talks about the need for state assistance to help develop a bio-fuel industry in Florida. More information can be found at: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/press/2007/01102007.html Report (1:00 wma)
House Ag Commitee in Place
The full House Agriculture Committee for the 110th Congress has now been named and is ready to go to work on the 2007 Farm Bill. Among the returning members, now in the majority, is Democrat John Barrow of Georgia who attended last week’s Southeast Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Report (1:30 wma)
Biofuels Growth Continues
The Senate Agricutlure Committee held a hearing this week on “Agriculture and rural America’s role in enhancing national energy security” where USDA chief economist Keith Collins testified that growth in biofuels will continue. Link to Senate Ag Committee website. Report (1:00 wma)
USDA Awards $100 Million To Promote Exports
While in New Orleans for the Beltwide Cotton Conferences this week, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced fiscal year 2007 allocations of $100 million to 67 U.S. trade organizations to promote U.S. agricultural products overseas. Link to USDA release. Report (1:00 wma)
FL Lawmakers Discuss Ag Concerns
As the Florida Legislature gets set for the special session, Florida Cattlemen Association’s Sam Ard says lawmakers were able to get together to also look at issues affecting agriculture in the state.  Report (1:30 wma)
GA Producers & Professionals to Talk Ag
Georgia farmers are encouraged to attend one of four special breakfast meetings to be held across the state in February to discuss ag issues. Â Report (1:10 wma) To learn more, Click Here