2007 Ag Census Shows Florida Agriculture Remaining STRONG

Gary Cooper Cattle, Citrus, Florida, General, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The results of the 2007 Census of Agriculture were released at 1:00 p.m. today, and it may surprise some to know that Florida agriculture is getting stronger in many ways. Hear some brief facts in this report, and stay tuned as we post other reports and other information in days ahead. Florida farmers and ranchers may want to brush up …

FL Agriculture Braces for Cold, Again Rushes Harvest & Hauling

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

TALLAHASSEE (FDACS)– Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is alerting the state’s agricultural producers that more freezing weather is expected this week that could impact crops as far south as the Lake Okeechobee area. Florida is at the peak of harvest season for many fruits and vegetables. Crops at risk include citrus, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, snap beans, celery, sweet corn, …

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 …

FL Organic Growers to Hold Workshop in Palmetto Thurs Feb 5

Gary Cooper Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG) will partner with UF IFAS to present a free workshop Feb. 5 at the Manatee County Extension Office in Palmetto for farmers interested in transitioning to organic production. The workshop is part of a FOG program that offers farmers an opportunity to receive free technical assistance to transition to organic production. By …

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 …

Deep Southeast Braces for Cold…Again

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables, Weather

Similar to a couple weeks ago, there are lots of indicators that very cold temperatures will again visit an already freeze weary winter fruit and vegetable production region. By the way, an important reminder for growers sent to us from Ray Royce at Highlands County Citrus Growers Association – Remember to properly record all pumpage for frost or freeze protection …

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 …