Citrus Growers Dealing with Aftermath of Hurricane Irma

Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane can seem daunting, but it’s something many of us in Florida have had to do in the past, and that includes those in the citrus industry. While growers did what they could do ahead of time to prepare, there are a variety of things afterward to obviously deal with. Here’s Mongi Zekri, the …

Weekly Livestock Market Report

Here are the Alabama, Florida, and Georgia livestock market reports for the week ended September 8, 2017, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for both states.   AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the week ended September 8, 2017, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 14,100 head compared to 13,160 last week and 9,717 a …

Florida Livestock Markets Closed Next Week Due to Hurricane Irma

According to information from the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida Association of Livestock Markets (FALM) will close all 9 livestock markets in Florida next week on their regular sale days, September 11, 12, and 13, due to Hurricane Irma. But, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Quality Replacement Heifer sale is still scheduled to be held Friday, September 15th at the Arcadia …

Florida Legislative Committees Cancel Due to Hurricane Irma

In anticipation of Hurricane Irma making landfall in Florida, legislative leaders have canceled committee meetings scheduled for next week. According to a story from the News Service of Florida, Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran called off what would have been the first committee meetings to prepare for the 2018 legislative session, citing concerns about potential damage …

UF/IFAS Responds to Hurricane Irma with Releases, Resource List

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has prepared links and resource lists for dealing with the impact of Hurricane Irma. Topics include the impact of citrus and other crops, how to safeguard livestock, and what UF/IFAS Extension offices across the state are doing to help residents. Please click here for access to releases, closings and resources. …

Florida Farmers Brace for Irma

Hurricane Irma is threatening havoc in Floria farmlands. Bloomberg says the hurricane is threatening a negative impact on $1.2 billion dollars worth of production in America’s number one grower of tomatoes, oranges, green beans, cucumbers, squash, and sugarcane. Florida has a huge influence on the American food supply as the number two producer grower, second only to California. Almost 10 …

UF Extension Gives Tips on How to Protect Livestock During Hurricane

While Florida residents scramble to prepare for Hurricane Irma, agriculture operators are working to make sure their livestock survive the storm. Agents with University of Florida IFAS Extension offer advice on how to safeguard animals before, during and after the storm. “After Hurricane Matthew, we had livestock die from dehydration, electrocution and collapsed barns,” said Cindy B. Sanders, UF/IFAS Extension …

Agriculture Continues to Prepare for Hurricane Irma

As Hurricane Irma moves towards South Florida, preparations for its arrival continue for many in the agriculture industry in the state. Livestock evacuations have been taking place throughout the week, as temporary shelters in both Alabama and Georgia have opened. Both states have also temporarily suspended Animal Interstate Movement Health Requirements for animals being evacuated from the areas expected to …

Displaced Horses Continue to Find Shelter at Florida Agriculture Center & Horse Park

The Florida Agricultural Center & Horse Park (FHP) located in Ocala, Florida is currently providing shelter and boarding for 126 horses displaced due to the imminent threat of Hurricane Irma. After receiving the initial inquiry last week, FHP immediately began to accept evacuees. The facility can host up to 160 horses at capacity and encourages those seeking lodging for their …