Putnam Discusses “economic recovery plan” & Commish Race

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables

Central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam was featured speaker at last week’s Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association annual banquet, and before his address to the crowd gathered for it in Arcadia, we asked for his thoughts on the so-called “economic recovery plan” working its way through Congress, and about his plans to run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2010. …

Agriculture Census Shows Strengths of Industry for Florida Economy

Gary Cooper Beef, Cattle, Citrus, Dairy, Florida, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables

In this series of reports, Florida Agriculture Statistics Director Jeff Geuder explains several key findings of the latest Census of Agriculture as it pertains to Florida. How about the aging of Florida’s farmers and ranchers, and are family farms holding on or not? As far as Florida’s ranking nationally in terms of agriculture’s importance, the data says a lot, too. …

National Weather Service Cold Weather Bulletin for So Florida

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

NWS /ISSUED 448 AM EST TUE FEB 3 2009/..COLDEST AIR OF THIS WINTER SEASON ARRIVING WED NIGHT…HARD FREEZE AND FREEZE WATCHES ISSUED FOR A LARGE PORTION OF MAINLAND SOUTH FL… DISCUSSION…ONE COLD FRONT WILL EXIT THE AREA THIS MORNING. A FEW SHOWERS ARE SEEN ON RADAR OFF THE WEST CENTRAL FL COAST WITH SPRINKLES ACROSS PARTS OF THE AREA…SO ADDED …

Putnam Makes It Official – He’s Running for FL Ag Commissioner

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Sugar, Vegetables

Central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam has reportedly made it official. According to several Associated Press articles published today Putnam plans to run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2010 and is reportedly doing his formal paperwork to enter the race today. Putnam is featured speaker this Friday at the Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association annual meeting in Arcadia. Stay …

USDA Sugar Cane Rust Research Update from South Florida

Gary Cooper Florida, Sugar

USDA researchers from Florida have dealt with two kinds of sugar cane rust fungus which have impeded development of new sugar cane varieties. This story was produced by USDA Radio’s Rod Bain and features comments from Barry Glaz of the Sugarcane Field Station in south Florida.

FL Impacts from Jan 21-23 Crop Freeze Become Clearer

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

In this report, some detailed comments from a leading sugar and vegetable farmer in the Belle Glade, FL area, about crop impacts from last week’s freeze event, now that enough time has passed to really determine the damages. Meanwhile, there is lots of talk around the farm sector in Florida again in recent days that another cold snap could hit …

FL Farm Bureau Policy Development In Action!

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Sugar

No other farm organization goes to such lengths to develop policies that guide the organization legislatively at all levels. Florida Farm Bureau’s (FFB) policy development process involves discussions and debate among farmers and ranchers, and county Farm Bureau leaders, from throughout the state. The whole process culminates each fall at the annual convention. A crucial part of the process in …

USDA News About Florida Wednesday Night Freeze

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

The nation’s eyes are on its winter fruit and vegetable crops in Florida. The “Sunshine State” is the major U S producer of many tender fresh vegetables this time of year. When it freezes in Florida agriculture people nationwide pay attention as evidenced by these two reports by USDA’s radio team. These reports feature USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, who we …