HCCGA Outgoing President Barben on Challenges, Highlights

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General

Highlands County Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA) held its annual banquet Thursday evening in Sebring, at which Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff spoke briefly with outgoing HCCGA President Bobby Barben (photo) about the highlights of his tenure and the challenges left on the plate. Hear his comments in these reports.

Uses for the Census

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Florida, General, Georgia

According to Joe Prusacki of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, one of the unique features of the recent 2007 Census of Agriculture is its ability to be customized by its users. USDA NASS

Farm Bureau to Hold Hazmat Regulations Meeting

Randall Weiseman Field Crops, Florida, General

There has been quite of bit of discussion lately regarding the interpretation and enforcement of hazardous materials regulations and Dan Buchanan, Florida Farm Bureau’s Assistant Director of Field Services for District II, says that their will be a meeting at the Madison County Extension office Tuesday, February 24 at 6:00 where farmers can voice their opinions.

Agriculture is the Economic Engine in Florida

Randall Weiseman Field Crops, Florida, Livestock

The recent 2007 Agriculture Census shows that Florida Agriculture is up to $7.785 billion in economic worth to the state and Ag Commissioner Charles Bronson gives us the numbers to back it up. For more information on the ag census in Florida visit their website. USDA NASS

FL Proposal to Cut Livestock News Service

Randall Weiseman Cattle, Florida, Livestock

Both the Florida House and Senate Ag Committees have been meeting this week to look over what they will be discussing as one major issue is of course budget cuts. The House Agricultural and Natural Resources Appropriations Committee heard presentations this week, one of those from Ag Commissioner Charles Bronson, who has proposed cutting the state’s livestock reporting service. Southeast …

UF Ag Economist Brings Depth to Ag Research Budget Debate

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

University of Florida Ag Economist Tom Spreen is well-known for his economic analyses of Florida agriculture, his work has been especially helpful in the citrus community. As state lawmakers face yet another round of serious budget cuts sure to again impact University of Florida IFAS along with every other sector, Spreen offers timely and powerful insight and perspective about how …

Florida Farm Bureau South Florida Ag Report for February

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Sugar

This report from Charles Shinn, Asst Director, Gov’t & Community Affairs, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. You can e-mail him at charles.shinn@ffbf.org Deadline Approaching for Lake Okeechobee Service Area Water Users Irrigation permits using surface water from Lake Okeechobee or its tributaries for landscape, golf course, nursery, livestock, improved pasture and agricultural uses need to be renewed to avoid losing the …