In these two weekly features involving coverage of the Florida Dept of Citrus former Citrus Commissioner and Commission Chairman Dan Richey talks about the grapefruit marketing situation going into this season, growing concerns and expectations about the highly anticipated USDA final ruling about fresh fruit shipments this year, and about FDOC efforts to juice up marketing efforts for grapefruit products. …
E Coli Actions
The US Department of Agriculture is stepping up the war on E Coli in the wake of 15 recalls this year, eight associated with human illness. Report (1:00 mp3)
Farm Bill Work
The Senate Agriculture Committee worked all day on its version of a 2007 Farm Bill and is expected to wrap up on Thursday. Report (1:00 mp3) Committee member Dick Lugar of Indiana intends to introduce his own farm bill on the Senate floor. Report (1:00 mp3)
Ethanol and the Short Supply of Wheat
All of the talk has been about corn, and while there is no shortage of corn, there is of wheat. Today Everett Griner explains why this is and what plans are underway to correct it. He also tells us what consumers have to look forward to in the future with this dilemma.  Report (1:00 mp3)
Citrus Words of Encouragement from ‘River’ Growers Mtg
While visiting with the crowd at the Indian River Citrus League annual meeting this week, we asked outgoing Indian River Citrus League President Stan Carter, now a Citrus Commissioner, and grower Dan Richey of Riverfront Packing in Vero Beach, what message they would send out to fellow citrus growers around the state. Hear some of their comments in this report. …
Aussie Expert on Citrus Greening Discusses Psyllid Control
Andrew Beattie was one of the featured speakers at the Citrus Expo late this summer in Fort Myers, Florida. Beattie is a recognized citrus researcher in citrus greening from the University of Western Syndey, New South Wales, Australia. In this “Ask the Citrus Expert” feature, Beattie offers comments on controlling the citrus psyllid in order to slow the rate of …
Peanut Program in Senate Farm Bill
The Senate Ag Committee has released information about their version of the Farm Bill which does include a program for peanut growers. Tyron Spearman takes a look at some of the details. Report (1:05 mp3)
NASS & FFA Partner to Promote Census
USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service is signing an agreement this week with the National FFA Organization to help promote the upcoming Census of Agriculture. Report (:35 mp3) To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, Click Here USDA NASS
GA Beef at Tailgate Party
Promoting beef at a tailgate party this Saturday for the Georgia-Florida football game will be a fun event for the Georgia Beef Board.  Report (1:15 mp3)
FL Focusing on Animal ID
The Animal Identification system is still a work in progress, as some still wonder how it will all play out. But one Florida Department of Agriculture official says it’s still there and a few producers are already seeing it’s benefits.  Report (1:15 mp3)