This year’s Florida grapefruit crop is expected to be one of the best quality in years, according to Florida Citrus Packers’ representative Richard Kinney in this report.  Report (2:00 wma)
USDA Cit Stats Admin re Crop Forecast
In this report USDA Citrus Crop statistics Administrator Bob Terry says his team has the pieces coming together for the October annual crop forecast to be released the morning of October 12th. Â Report (1:00 wma) USDA NASS
Ag Commissioner Speaks to Immigration Rhetoric
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson was among the candidates appearing at the Ag Institute’s Candidates FOrum in Orlando recently. In this report, Southeast AgNet’s Gary Cooper discusses the rhetoric making the rounds about the ag labor and immigration issue.  Report (1:00 wma)
Candidates Ag Forum Fails To Attract Some Key Candidates
A who’s who of statewide agriculture industry leadership turned out to hear candidates for statewide office discuss agriculture issues, but many ag leaders were surprised to see so few of the key candidates even show up to be heard. Gary Cooper spoke with Florida Farm Bureau outgoing president Carl Loop at the Forum.  Report (2:00 wma)
Former Citrus Commish Chrmn Ponders Crop & Adv Plan
In this report, former Citrus Commission Chairman Andy Taylor of Peace River Citrus Products says it is a good thing Commissioners raised advertising taxes to compensate for what may be a short crop, so strong marketing can help keep consumers interested in O J at higher retail price levels. Â Report (2:00 wma)
O J Adv Remains Critical as Retail Prices Climb
The former chairman of the FL Citrus Commission says regardless of what the upcoming citrus crop forecast may project, strong advertising and marketing this season will be critical to keep movement up as retail O J prices increase.  Report (1:00 wma)
Agriculture Caught in Middle of Immigration Debate
As immigration issues abound in the mainstream media, there is lots of misinformation out there. Florida Citrus Mutual hopes to help better educate Floridians in coming months about the facts of farm labor and the need for ag workers for jobs Americans traditionally will not fill. Citrus Mutual’s Mike Sparks comments in this report.  Report (2:00 wma)
FL DPI’S Connie Riherd Receives National Recognition
Everyone in the citrus community has growing anticipation for the upcoming USDA citrus crop forecast set for October 12th. Meanwhile, a Florida agriculture official receives prestigious national recognition from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Gary Cooper has details in this report.  Report (2:00 wma)
Citrus Crop Forecast Form Available
Southeast AgNet provides this form each year for growers and others, to conveniently note the crop forecast numbers as they are released, and compare to the final utilization numbers of previous years. There are several grower breakfasts planned for the October 12 crop forecast release too. Click on the link for maps and information form the September issue of Citrus Industry Magazine. pdf …
USDA Citrus Stats Admin on Progress of Crop Count
USDA Citrus Statistics Administrator Bob Terry comments on the progress of the crop count for the upcoming 06-07 season, and about the high degree of anticipation for this year’s official USDA citrus crop forecast. Â Report (1:00 wma) USDA NASS