Florida growers are still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Irma, which hit the state back in September 2017. Florida citrus took the biggest hit, with an estimation of approximately $760 million in damages. Since Irma, growers have been anxiously waiting on disaster relief funding so they can begin to rebuild. During the recent Taste of Florida reception in Tallahassee, …
Third Democrat Emerges for Agriculture Commissioner
The race to replace term-limited Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam continues to get more crowded. Tallahassee Democrat Thomas Clayton White Jr. opened a campaign account this week to run in November for the Cabinet post, becoming the third Democrat — and sixth overall candidate — to take the step, according to the state Division of Elections website. White’s filing came after …
Florida Cattle Industry Concerned with ELD’s
Cattlemen and women from across the Southeast are meeting with other producers from around the country in Phoenix, Arizona this week for the 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Florida Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President, Jim Handley, says one issue of importance being discussed are ELD’s, electronic logging devices. Something he says they are extremely concerned about. Florida …
The Top 3 Things on Florida Farm Bureau’s Legislative Plate
The Florida Farm Bureau held its legislative days in Tallahassee this week, where it advocated for an “Ag Strong” legislative agenda. Adam Basford, director of legislative affairs for Florida Farm Bureau, was pleased with the turnout at this year’s events. Sporting “Ag Strong” pins, nearly 200 members of the Florida Farm Bureau made appointments with their legislators to advocate for …
Hoping to Amend Law Protecting Florida Cattle Industry
This week during the Florida legislative session, a step was taken to amend a law designed to help protect those in the state’s cattle industry. Florida Cattlemen’s Association Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, explains. Hoping to Amend Law Protecting Florida Cattle Industry Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
FDACS Looks Toward More Funding
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is looking toward additional funding this legislative session for the Fresh from Florida program. The program suffered a decrease in funding last year from $13 million to $6 million. Now, they are looking toward $5 million more in general revenue funding to make up for the loss. The Florida Farm Bureau held …
UF/IFAS Rethinking Forest Protection; Hosts UN Expert as Lecturer
With trees, we enjoy healthier air, shade, a way to store carbon, economic opportunities and much more. Without them, we could wind up with a devastated ecosystem and much lost revenue, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers say. In fact, Florida’s forest industry generated $12.5 billion in sales in 2016, according to recent UF/IFAS economic research. …
Senate Sign Off on Florida Forever Funding
Voter-approved money for land and water conservation continues to be carved up by the Senate, while the House is on a different path. The Senate voted 37-0 on Wednesday to approve a proposal that would set aside at least $100 million a year for the Florida Forever program (HB 370) from money stemming from a 2014 constitutional amendment. Meanwhile, the …
Florida Farmers and Ranchers Visit State Capitol
Farmers and ranchers from across Florida are in Tallahassee this week to discuss public policy issues with Florida state legislators. Florida Farm Bureau’s annual citizens’ lobbying event began Monday with a reception at the Tallahassee Farm Bureau legislative office and continues today with a full schedule of legislative meetings on Farm Bureau priority issues. Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick …
Southeast Represented at Cattle Industry Convention
Cattle producers from across the Southeast will be in Phoenix, Arizona this week for the 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. We talked with Erin Beasley with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Jim Handley from the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Will Bentley with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, who all say they have a good group of producers from each …