By KEITH LAING – THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, March 4, 2010……….Both sides of a fight over new water quality regulations for Florida are cheering a decision by federal officials to extend the comment period on the proposal, though they did not see eye-to-eye on what the flood of extra time would mean for the plan. The …
Last Call for Georgia Cotton Referendum Ballots
Georgia cotton referendum ballots must be postmarked by midnight Friday, March 5. Download Audio
Stricter Regs Regarding Wood Pallets Expected
Increased U.S. regulations on pallets and other wood packaging are likely on the way, though industry officials say it’s unclear when. Download Audio
Vilsack Defends Controversial Crop Insurance Changes
During a Senate panel earlier this week, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, defended a proposal for controversial changes to the agreements the department has with crop insurance companies. Download Audio
Planned GA Bio-Refinery Receives USDA Loan
A planned bio-refinery located near Soperton, Georgia has received a loan guaranteed by USDA Rural Development to make cellulosic biofuel from wood chips. Download Audio
Forestry Related Bill Moves on for Floor Consideration
The House Committee on Agriculture has approved H.R. 3954 for floor consideration. The bill would authorize the conveyance of 114 acres in Leon County, Florida and would allow the U.S. Forest Service to make equivalent land exchanges within the Ocala and Apalachicola National Forests to better and more efficiently manage the lands. Download Audio
International Food for Education Program
Dorothy Feustel with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service says the USDA’s McGovern Dole International Food for Education Program is expanding this year. Download Audio
GCA Concerned of Proposed Cuts to CAES and 4-H
Proposed budget cuts with the University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Extension Services and Georgia 4-H programs has the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association concerned, as Josh White encourages cattlemen to contact their senators and representatives and take a proactive stance on this issue. Download Audio
AL Funds Available for Organic Producers
Conservation Agronomist Eddie Jolley with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama, wants to remind farmers transitioning to organic agriculture or those who are already certified organic, have the opportunity to receive assistance and this does include livestock producers. Download Audio
FL Funds Available for Organic Producers
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida reminds farmers that signup for the Organic Initiative is underway, but Agronomist Steve Boetger said to receive 2010 funding your application must be received by March 12. Download Audio