FL Legislative Committee Calls for Citrus Referendum

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

The Joint Legislative Sunset Committee Monday recommended the Florida Legislature create an up or down referendum on the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), proposing the grower vote take place in conjunction with the 2010 Scientific Research Box Tax Referendum. Lawmakers yet have to decide whether or not to move forward, but many expect it to perculate in some manner. Stay …

FFBF Pres John Hoblick: “IFAS Helps All Floridians”

Gary Cooper Florida

This commentary by John Hoblick, President of Florida Farm Bureau Federation What is the future of Florida’s agriculture industry? I am often asked questions very similar to this and I have given it a great deal of thought. As president of the state’s only general agriculture organization representing 143,000 member families, I can say I see a bright future for …

New Ag Secretary at Classic

Randall Weiseman General

Southeast Agnet was represented at the 2008 Commodity Classic in Nashville last week, along with 144 other ag media and more than 4500 total attendees. The man of the hour was new agriculture secretary Ed Schafer, who spoke at the general session and then held a press conference for the media. Main topics were the farm bill, commodity prices, agriculture …

New FL State Conservationist Knows Specialty Crops

Randall Weiseman Florida, USDA-NRCS

The new state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida is coming from California where he has experience with some of the same crops. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Specialty Crops Outlook

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Specialty crops got special notice at USDA’s 2008 Outlook Forum in Washington DC. Tom Stenzel with the United Produce Association talked about how the industry has pulled together in recent years to get recognition in farm legislation. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Conservation Will Suffer Under Permanent Law

Randall Weiseman USDA-NRCS

The current extension of the 2002 Farm Bill expires March 15 but so far no major breakthroughs are being reported. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Arlen Lancaster says they continue to be hopeful because conservation programs will suffer a huge setback if we revert back to permanent law. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata …

FL Commissioner’s Report on Ag Tag

Randall Weiseman FL Commissioner Report

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson talks about the Florida Agriculture specialty license plate. More information about the Ag Tag can be found on the Florida Ag in the Classroom web site at AgTag.org. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Schafer Testifies on Beef Recall

Randall Weiseman Beef, Cattle

Last Thursday U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer testified before a Senate panel about the recent recall of beef from a California plant. They want to know what USDA was doing about it and also asked about no longer allowing “downer” cattle to enter the food chain.  Report (1:20 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in …

Peanut Planting Date is Big Issue

Randall Weiseman Peanuts

Soon it will be time to start planting peanuts but the question is how soon. One extension peanut agronomist comments on this issue.  Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Citrus Referendum Still Being Discussed In Tallahassee

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

In this report, some scant detail about reports that a citrus grower referendum on the box tax may still be in the works. It will be among the issues for growers and industry in this Legislative Session, which starts this Tuesday in Tallahassee. Report (2:00 mp3) Being Counted Is Up To YOU! Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata …