THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA – By KEITH LAING THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, May 21, 2009……….Saying there might not be enough political money to go around in a down economy when his party will be seeking to win races for the U.S. Senate and governor, Republican Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson said Thursday that he would not run to replace Gov. Charlie …
Florida Farm Bureau Sees Rising Concern Over Crop Losses
(Gainesville, Fla. FFBF) – Florida Farm Bureau Federation continues to receive reports of crop damage in central and south Florida and in the panhandle, and concern over potential crop disasters is increasing. The state’s largest general agricultural organization noted parts of Florida have received more than 20 inches of rain this week.
Animal ID a Contentious Issue
Listening sessions have been taking place at various points across the country on the National Animal Identification System, as one of those sessions took place yesterday in Birmingham, Alabama. In a phone interview, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Southeast AgNet that this is an extremely important effort that USDA has undertaken. For those not able to attend the listening session, …
Aquaculture Problems.
Challenge to commercial fishing. Everett Griner looks at what changes are coming.
Packed House for Citrus League Board Mtg – Many Issues On Table
Indian River Citrus League’s (IRCL) Board of Directors met Thursday attracting a large crowd of area growers to the meeting as always. The agenda included Citrus Department officials to discuss budget proposals and details about Federal Marketing Order ideas; several research updates; a legislative report from area Rep. Ralph Poppell (bottom left) himself a League member; and several other topics. …
Sunbelt FL Farmer Announced
It was announced this week by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation that Cary Lightsey, a Lake Wales producer, is the 2009 Florida Farmer of the Year. He will represent the state at the annual Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Ag Expo’s 2009 Farmer of the Year luncheon during the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo in Moultrie, Georgia on October 20, 2009.
Climate Change
Real, or imaginary? Everett Griner looks at just what the cycles have been and might be.
Bill Would Lift Land Use Consideration From Energy Regs
The Renewable Fuel Standard Improvement Act, or H.R. 2409 has been introduced in an effort to eliminate the EPA requirement which considers indirect land use when calculating greenhouse gas emissions associated with advanced biofuels.
Concern About Crop Disaster in Hastings Growing Area
(Gainesville, Fla.) As heavy rains continue, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation today urged producers in the Hastings area to prepare for heavy crop losses. As much as 17 inches of rain has fallen in the area so far this week, assuring agricultural producers will have problems harvesting potatoes, cabbage, cantaloupe and other fresh vegetables, as well as sod.
Looking Ahead at Beef Checkoff
Beef industry representatives from across the country were in Denver for the 2010 checkoff planning meetings last week, which allowed state beef council execs a chance to hear about 2010 priorities and programs. Both Florida Beef Council’s Jim Handley and Georgia Beef Board’s Jim Collins talks about what was discussed at these meetings. FL: GA: