(This release in late Friday 1/8/10 from Florida Congressman Adam Putnam’s office in BARTOW, Fla.) – Congressman Adam Putnam today said he is preparing a letter from the Florida congressional delegation to urge prompt action from the federal government to help Florida agricultural growers recover from record cold weather.
USDA: FL Farmers Brace for Deeper Freeze Some Areas Sun Night
Farmers in Florida face their biggest freeze battle yet. Gary Crawford and Brad Rippey explains what is headed Florida’s way (posted Friday afternoon 1/8/10): This arctic wave is not only affecting Florida farmers. Brad Rippey, USDA meteorologist, says the arctic wave could threaten newly emerging shoots of sugarcane in Louisiana. There may be a silver lining to the cold weather …
Duration of the Cold Weather Posing the Real Threat
Josh Craft, assistant director of agricultural policy with the Florida Farm Bureau, says the freezing temperatures Florida is experiencing are certainly a challenge for farmers, but it’s the duration of the arctic air that has many citrus and strawberry growers concerned.
FL Weather Expectations for Jan 8 – 9 Wkd – Attention Growers!
We thank Gene McAvoy,County Extension Director, UF/IFAS Hendry County Extension, for helping us stay in the loop on weather in his part of the region of South Florida. He forwards the following Urgent Weather Message to Southeast AgNet Friday afternoon from the National Weather Service. This is of concern to all areas of south Florida.
USDA Wx: Cold Canadian Air Wave Could Spell Trouble for FL Crops
Florida farmers, already exhausted from trying to protect crops from this week’s cold snap, will have an even colder wave to battle late this weekend. USDA’s Gary Crawford has this report.
Extent of Freeze Damage to Specialty Crops Not Yet Known
Growers and shippers are assessing the damages caused by the uncharacteristically freezing weather that struck our state early this week, but with more arctic temperatures forecasted to hit this weekend, the coldest nights are yet to come.
FL DOT Documents Needed for Transporting Heavy Produce Loads
We’re posting this information again so Florida growers will have handy the documents needed for trucks hauling overweight produce loads. As per action by Florida Governor Charlie Crist lifting the restrictions on truck weights in light of the deep freeze the state is experiencing right in the midst of winter fruit and vegetable harvests, these documents should be kept in …
FL Agriculture Girds As Temperatures Drop
From THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA – By MICHAEL PELTIER THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Jan. 6, 2009…With temperatures again expected to dip into the 20s for extended periods Wednesday night and Thursday morning, growers across the state were working around the clock in efforts to minimize the effect on Florida’s $100 billion fruit and vegetable industry. With below freezing temperatures possible …
More Cold Air on the Way
As Florida growers have feverishly fought extremely low temps these past few days, USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey warns that the worst may be yet to come.
Most Citrus Groves Escape Freeze; More Cold Coming
A Wednesday morning freeze caused minor fruit damage in isolated areas, but most of Florida’s citrus belt escaped without substantial problems, according to Florida Citrus Mutual. More extremely cold temperatures are expected this weekend and into Monday morning. Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff provides a freeze summary in the first report; Mutual CEO Mike Sparks goes more in-depth in the second. …