Citrus Industry Celebrates And Tackles Problems

Dan Citrus, Florida

Even though the Florida citrus industry got great news this week in the form of a new citrus canker rule that allows shipments to other citrus producing states, industry panels continue to tackle major concerns. The Citrus Research and Development Foundation gears up to fund and commercialize research dealing with major grove diseases, and the Florida Citrus Commission addresses citrus …

GBB Talking to Producers at Sunbelt

Randall Weiseman Beef, Cattle, Georgia, Livestock

The Georgia Beef Board and Georgia Cattlemen’s Association has their booth here again at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, as their new Executive Vice President Josh White is enjoying talking with producers. Josh is not the only new face in the GCA/GBB office, as Michele Creamer recently returned as Director of Operations as I talked with both of them …

Sunbelt Ag Expo Day 2

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Cotton, Field Crops, Florida, General, Georgia, Livestock, Peanuts

It’s day two of the 2009 Sunbelt Ag Expo as Tyron Spearman looks at some of the hi-lights of what’s coming up today and what happened yesterday. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025

AL Beef Message Reaching Consumers

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Beef, Livestock

Alabama Cattlemen Association’s Ed Whatley talks about some of the results from the latest national consumer survey concerning beef. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025

Checkoff Questions Consumers about Veal

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Florida, Georgia, Livestock

The latest checkoff-funded Consumer Beef Index added questions to specifically track additional attitudes and perceptions regarding veal, and the results show usage actually increased from a year ago. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025

USDA’s Role in Development of New FDA Produce Regulations

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The Food and Drug Administration is currently drafting food safety regulations for fresh produce and Leanne Skelton, Chief of the Fresh Products Branch of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, is currently on a 6 month assignment with the FDA to help the agency better understand the produce industry. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture …

A New Definition

Dan Agri View, Alabama, Cattle, Florida, General, Georgia, Livestock, Pork, Poultry

Volatility creating uncertainty. Everett Griner tells us about “chicken feed”. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025

Southeastern Farmer of the Year Recipients

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Citrus, Florida, Georgia, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The 10 state winners were on hand for the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award luncheon today, and when it was announced, this year’s 2009 overall recipient was Cary Lightsey from Florida. Pictured (l-r) are Alabama state winner David Wright, Jr., Arkansas state winner Orelan Johnson, Florida state and overall winner Cary Lightsey, and Georgia state winner …

New Citrus Canker Rule To Go Into Effect Thursday

Dan Citrus, Florida

Florida Citrus Mutual CEO Mike Sparks confirms industry rumors that a new citrus canker rule will go into effect Thursday. The rule is great news to Florida’s fresh fruit growers and packers, as it re-opens their ability to market fruit in other citrus producing states. Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff has the basics in the first report. Sparks discusses the new …

Florida’s Cary Lightsey Sunbelt Farmer of Year

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Beef, Cattle, Citrus, Florida, Georgia, Livestock

On the first day of the 2009 Sunbelt Ag Expo, during the 20th anniversary of the Swisher/Sweets Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year luncheon, Cary Lightsey of Lake Wales, Florida was presented this year’s award. Lightsey and his family own and operate a 36,000 acre cattle, citrus and hay operation. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement …