Citrus Crop Stats Administrator Looks Back Before Retirement

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

In these reports, reflections from a statistics legend when it comes to citrus crop forecasting. For years citrus folks worldwide have watched and listened for crop numbers often having great impact on markets and grower returns, particularly in October when annual crop forecasts are released. In the first two reports posted herein, Bob Terry talks about the most recent citrus …

Teachers Honored for Ag Education

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Florida, General

Ten teachers, including one from Florida and one from Alabama, have been recognized for their outstanding efforts to promote agricultural literacy by the White-Reinhardt Fund for Education. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture sponsored the $1,200 scholarships in cooperation with the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. The winners included Kitchka Petrova of Florida and Polly Rowell of Alabama. Report (1:00 …

Tomatoes and Farmers Markets

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Tomatoes are gradually returning to grocery store shelves and restaurant menus but there is still a great deal of consumer confusion and misinformation as a result of the publicity surrounding the salmonella scare. Meanwhile, farmers markets are benefiting from increased sales. Report(1:00 mp3) In Alabama, Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks is reminding consumers they can find FDA approved “safe to eat” …

NCC Farm Bill Meetings

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cotton, Georgia

The National Cotton Council vice president of producer affairs Craig Brown has been attending meetings in the cotton belt to educate producers about what is in the new farm bill. Report(1:00 mp3) The Georgia Cotton Commission has co-sponsored the meetings in Georgia. One more will be held Wednesday, at the Lions Hall in Donalsonville starting at 10 am. Report(1:00 mp3)

Cattlemen Support Fuels Mandate Reduction

Randall Weiseman Cattle

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports a recent petition filed to reduce federal mandates for production of grain-based fuels.  Report (1:00mp3)

Crop Disaster Signup Underway

Randall Weiseman General

The signup period is underway for farmers who suffered quality losses to their crops in 2005, 2006, or 2007 as Tyron Spearman has the details.  Report (:40mp3)

Argentina Peanuts Affected by Strike

Randall Weiseman Peanuts

Tyron Spearman has information about a farmers strike in Argentina and how it’s affecting the peanut harvest in that country.  Report (:40 mp3)

U S Sugar Media Statement About SFWMD Buyout

Gary Cooper Cattle, Citrus, Florida, Sugar

Report(1:00 mp3) This in this morning from U S Sugar Corp. regarding the pending purchase plans of South Florida Water Management District to buy the company’s landholdings: CLEWISTON — June 24, 2008 — The proposal announced by Governor Crist is the right thing for the State of Florida and appears to be at a fair price for our shareholders. It …

South FL Water Mgmt District to BUY U S Sugar Corp Land?!

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Sugar

News is swirling early this week about a pending announcement that South Florida Water Management District plans to buy one of the largest agricultural operations in the state. Formal announcements are expected Tuesday about the pending purchase of U. S. Sugar Corporation, but already there is concern growing among masses of folks and local businesses in the region, for obvious …