Specialty Crops May Get Their Farm Bill

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Prospects for a new farm bill with provisions for specialty crops are alive again as conference committee members believe they are close to a compromise bill that could be wrapped up by the end of the week. Committee Chairman Senator Tom Harkin updated farm broadcasters meeting in Washington on Wednesday. Report(1:00 mp3)

Farm Bill Ball Rolling

Randall Weiseman General

Scathing comments made by President Bush Tuesday about a “massive, bloated farm bill” caused negotiators to call Ag Secretary Ed Schafer in for a talk to see what they can do to make sure the president signs the bill they hope to have finished by early next week now. Report(1:00 mp3)

Cotton Prices May Increase Acres

Randall Weiseman Cotton, Georgia

The volatility in the commodity markets that has caused a spike in cotton prices recently may mean an increase in cotton acreage according to Richey Seaton with the Georgia Cotton Commission. Report(1:00 mp3)

Last Call For Ag Census

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Florida

HAVE YOU RETURNED YOUR CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE YET? The National Agricultural Statistics Service is putting out a last call for producers to return 2007 Census of Agriculture forms before they start calling and knocking on doors. FL Report (1:00 mp3) AL Report (1:00 mp3) USDA NASS

Records Out for 2007

Dan Agri View

This phenomenon has created havoc in the past.  Did it in 2007?  Stats are out and Everett Griner tells us what some of the stats are for this.  Report (1:00 mp3)

$2M for Citrus Pest and Disease Research In FL Budget

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

This release just in from Florida Citrus Mutual… LAKELAND, Fla. (April 29, 2008) – The Florida citrus industry is scheduled to receive $2 million from the state’s ’08-’09 budget to help fund pest and disease research. Sen. JD Alexander, Rep. Marty Bowen and Rep. Stan Mayfield were instrumental in obtaining the critical appropriation which will help fund research on citrus …