SFWMD-Get the Facts: Back Pumping

Media outlets continue to falsely report that rare emergency pumping of water into Lake Okeechobee was orchestrated by farmers. Pumping water into the lake from the south, known as “back pumping,” is used only in extreme emergency flooding situations by the South Florida Water Management District. Neither businesses nor farms have the authority or capability to pump water directly into …

FDOC Update

Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Ellis Hunt Talks Budget, Bactericides and Bloom Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Ellis Hunt Jr. reports on plans to consider a proposal to greatly reduce the grower box tax that funds the Florida Department of Citrus. In addition, he discusses support for the department from the Florida Legislature as well as positive developments with bactericides and bloom. …

Disappointed with Senate Vote on Food Labeling Legislation

The U.S. Senate today voted down an effort by Sen. Pat Roberts to prohibit states from requiring genetically modified food labels. And various agriculture groups are disappointed with the vote on this food labeling legislation. Download Audio Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding …

Thermotherapy Gives Grower Mixed Results

Thermotherapy Gives Grower Mixed Results After Year-Long Trial Growers gathered at a citrus thermotherapy follow-up field day at Whitaker Groves in Grand Island, Florida. They came to see the effects thermotherapy had on a block of Valencias that were treated in July 2015. Cliff Whitaker, the owner of the grove, said that while the treatment did reduce fruit drop, he …

Future of Florida Citrus

Hope for the Future of Florida Citrus Anyone involved in the Florida citrus industry can speak of the hardships the industry has faced since HLB first appeared in the state in 2005. One member of the industry, who has stuck with it through thick and thin, offered his positive perspective on the future of the industry. Bill Castle, University of …

Beef Quality Assurance Shares a Positive Story

Consumers are asking a lot of questions about how the beef they are purchasing is raised. And in our weekly “BQA Quality Report”, brought to you by your state and national checkoff funded Beef Quality Assurance programs Josh White, executive director of producer education for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says this is where the BQA program benefits beef producers. …

NCGA Disappointed with Senate Vote on Roberts Compromise Food Labeling Legislation

From the National Corn Growers Association: National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling issued the following statement today in response to the Senate’s failure to pass Chairman Pat Roberts’ uniform, national food labeling standard: “U.S. corn farmers are disappointed that, despite the clear demonstration of support from nearly 800 groups, the Senate failed to move this reasonable legislation forward. This …

Scott Announces Line-item Vetoes to Florida Budget

Despite the fact Florida Governor Rick Scott has yet to receive the budget from lawmakers, in a surprise move Tuesday he did announce that he would sign the largest budget in state history while using his line-item veto relatively sparingly, defusing a potential showdown with state lawmakers. Download Audio To read more on this story click here. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle …

Celebrating National Agriculture Day 2016

Tuesday was National Agriculture Day, as National Agriculture Week continues through Saturday, March 19. And according to a story from Rod Bain, the importance of agriculture in our daily lives was the focus of annual National Ag Day events nationwide like those held yesterday. Download Audio Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant …

USDA Announces $260 Million Available for RCPP

It was announced this week by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that through RCPP, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, they are making available up to $260 million for partner proposals to improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. Download Audio Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data …