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
Putnam: EPA Will Extend Comment Period on Florida Water Rules
This in today from Florida Congressman Adam Putnam’s office in WASHINGTON D C – Congressman Adam Putnam today said the Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to extend the comment period on proposed new water rules after a meeting this morning between members of the Florida congressional delegation and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
GA Peanut Crop Update & Peanuts at the Races this Weekend
This week Tyron Spearman has been giving updates concerning the peanut crop in the individual states across the deep southeast, and today he has a review of the Georgia crop along with information on how peanuts will be hi-lighted at the Nascar race this weekend. Download Audio Download Audio
Japan OK’s Citrus Canker Rule, But Don’t Ship Fruit Yet
Florida Citrus Packers executive Richard Kinney says while Japan has agreed to accept canker-blemished fruit from Florida, packers shouldn’t send fruit until procedures are finalized. Download Audio Post sponsor: Copper coverage with Less Metallic Copper per acre.