Hard Decisions on Budget Cuts

Randall Weiseman Field Crops, Florida, General, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Both the House and Senate Ag Committees have been meeting this week to explore the issues. One concern of course is the budget cuts and where to ultimately make them. Ag Commissioner Charles Bronson spoke with The House Agricultural and Natural Resources Appropriations Committee regarding one of those proposed cuts and Darly Adams has the details.

SE Cattlewoman New ANCW President-Elect

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Beef, Cattle, Florida, Georgia

New officers recently took over for the American National Cattlewomen’s Association as one of those is from the Southeast. Lana Slaten of Cullman, Alabama is the new ANCW President-elect, a position she is honored to have as they continue their efforts to promote beef.

FL Citrus Grower Eyes Future With Positive Outlook

Gary Cooper Citrus, Energy, Florida, General

Saying he feels there is a bright future for those in Florida citrus willing to work together to defeat disease threats and adapt to emerging trends, grower Pete Spyke is speaking to neighboring growers and industry whenever possible about emerging trends he sees coming down the pike. Hear some of his ideas and examples in these two features.

Survey Suggests Producers to Plant 8.11 Million Acres of Cotton

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Corn, Cotton, Florida, Georgia, Soybeans

U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 8.11 million acres of cotton this spring, down 14 percent from 2008, according to the National Cotton Council’s 26th Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey. Survey respondents through the Southeast indicated declining acreage, except for Florida at the expense of peanuts. Alabama reported the largest percentage reduction at 33 percent, followed by Virginia at …

NCBA Membership Incentives

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Florida, Georgia

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was very happy with membership numbers last year, but Southeast Representative Nate Yeager said there are some great incentive programs for producers who have yet to join NCBA if you sign up before March 31st.

Fl Citrus Mutual Pres Becker re Cold/Budget/Taxes & Commish Race

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

In this report, some excerpts from a recent short interview with Florida Citrus Mutual President Fran Becker, about: possible impacts from another late freeze should it come; state budget cuts possibly leading to some tax increase issues; his personal thoughts on the upcoming race for Florida agriculture commissioner.

FL House Ag Chair Comments on U S Sugar Buyout & Budget Matters

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Sugar

In these reports, Florida House Agriculture Committee Chair, Rep. Trudi Williams from Ft Myers, comments on a couple hot topics this year. In the first report, some of her objections to the proposed purchase of U S Sugar farmlands by the South Florida Water Management District. In the second, Williams expresses disappointment about recent Gubenatorial vetoes to budget cuts passed …

FL DBPR May Be Ramping Up Ag Enforcement in Wake Of Weather

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

We’re hearing from numerous contacts that the Florida Dept of Business & Professional Regulation may be ramping up its enforcement measures in the wake of the recent cold snaps affecting Florida agriculture. Our sources say at least sixteen investigators have been placed in agriculturally significant areas of the state to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Investigators …