As the state of Florida looks for ways to make ends meet, we’ve gotten word that the state’s Livestock Market News Service staff could be cut out altogether come next budget season in Tallahassee unless the industry makes waves enough to prevent it. The word we get is that four positions for Livestock Market News will appear on the Governor’s …
No Grower Referendum Expected as Part of FDOC Review
As we mentioned late yesterday, looks like there will be no grower referendum on the Florida Dept of Citrus. Lawmakers overseeing the FDOC Sunset Review process say there simply was not much support or input in favor of such a grower vote. Lakeland Ledger reporter Kevin Bouffard has studied this issue and followed up with the newsmakers about it. To …
FARM BILL IMPLEMENTATION – Progress as of October 2008
This just in from USDA… Within weeks of the late June enactment of the Farm Bill, USDA began delivering program benefits for 2008 and will deliver additional program benefits in 2009. The 2008 Farm Bill has 15 titles — and more than 600 provisions: 50 percent more than the 2002 Farm Bill. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer …
Citrus Concerns Grow Over Specialty Crop Research Allocations
There is a growing rumble in Florida and particularly in citrus country over recent allocations of specialty crop research monies. CLICK HERE to read the entire USDA news release that outlines where some 28-million research dollars are being awarded. Some industry and congressional sources tell us the allocations overlook critical and timely needs for research into citrus greening disease, or …
FL Congressman Putnam: Retail O J Too High for Market Situation
In this first report posted herein, comments from central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam about the need for orange juice “brands” to do more to help move tremendous supplies in the orange juice pipeline right now, including putting more efforts into advertising as well as bringing retail prices more in line with market supply reality. Putnam’s comments echo what we heard …
FL Citrus Mutual CEO Says Strong Mktg Push Needed for OJ
In this report comments from Mike Sparks, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, about the recent October Citrus Crop Forecast from USDA and the market situation in need of a strong push to reduce the amount of orange juice already in the pipeline. Sponsoring this report: Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement …
FL Bronson Milks Cows at Sunbelt
While at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Tuesday, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson participated in the annual cow milking contest but also talked about a problem many are concerned about here in the Southeast. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst …
Sunbelt Farmer of the Year Chosen
10 state winners were on hand for the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award luncheon today, and when it was announced, this year’s recipient was Brian Kirksey from Arkansas. Pictured (l-r) are Alabama state winner Lamar Dewberry, Kirksey, Florida state winner Randy Strode, and Georgia state winner Wayne McKinnon. AL story: FL story: GA story: To learn …
Sunbelt Cow Milking Contest
The annual Ag Commissioner’s Cow Milking Contest took place today at Sunbelt Ag Expo, as pictured right is Glen Zorn, Deputy Commissioner from Alabama and then to the left, Florida Ag Commissioner Charles Bronson, When it was all over, the winner was South Carolina Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers. Also pictured is University of Tennessee’s Warren Gill representing Tennessee. Sponsored ContentFCEB …
FL Producers Benefit from NRCS and GLCI
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida has a great working relationship with the Florida GLCI, which Carlos Suarez says has helped a lot of producers across the state improve their pasture and grazing land. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts …