Ag in Review for the Week Ending March 17, 2017

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Field Crops, Florida, Fruits, General, Georgia, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Peanuts, Poultry, Specialty Crops, Weather

In our recap of agricultural news from around the Southeast for the week ending March 17th, we have an update concerning avian influenza, when damage assessments to certain crops might be available after this week’s freeze event, cabbage, weather damage to pecan trees, Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida …

Freeze Impacts on Southeastern Crops Still Unknown

Dan Vegetables, Weather

Damage assessments to peaches and other southeastern crops will continue for weeks in the aftermath of this week’s freeze event. Rod Bain has the first part of this story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …

Florida Peaches Pack a Punch as a Succulent Snack

Dan Florida, Fruits, Specialty Crops

By: Brad Buck, University of Florida/IFAS Florida peaches make for a succulent snack, say consumers surveyed by a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher. That’s encouraging news for Florida producers trying to expand their reach, not only in the Sunshine State but nationally, said Joy Rumble, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of agricultural education and communication. Sponsored …

Freezing Temperatures Threaten Strawberry, Peach Crops

Dan Alabama, Specialty Crops, Weather

The threat of freezing temperatures in Alabama quickly shifted strawberry and peach growers from production mode into protection mode. Producers of both fruits are making preparations to protect their crops from frost and freezing temperatures. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement …

Southeastern Peach Crop Threatened by Freezes This Week

Dan Fruits, Weather

Arctic air could bring trouble for southeastern fruit crops, particularly peaches. Gary Crawford has the first part of this story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement …

Florida Commissioner’s Spotlight: FRESH! Recipe: Vegetable Pasta

Dan FL Commissioner Report, Florida, Industry Videos-Promoting Agriculture, Vegetables

On this week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam is joined by Executive Chef Justin Timineri to talk about using what’s in season in his new Fresh! Recipe video: Vegetable Pasta. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, …

Subcommittee Evaluates Effectiveness of Specialty Crop Production Programs

Dan Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research, held a hearing to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2014 Farm Bill programs aimed at benefiting specialty crop production. Members heard from a panel of witnesses who highlighted the various programs available for specialty crops ranging from promotion programs and crop insurance to trade …

Developing Blackberry Varieties with Growers in Mind

Randall Weiseman Fruits, Specialty Crops

Collaborative research is leading to new types of blackberries with potential to expand markets for growers. Rod Bain has the details. Play audio Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, …

Senate Bill 10 Could Severely Impact Lake Okeechobee Communities

Randall Weiseman Florida, Legislative, Sugar

Florida’s 2017 legislative session starts today, March 7. A major issue to be discussed during the session is Florida Senate President Joe Negron’s land acquisition proposal. Sugar farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) are fighting for their land as Sen. Negron’s proposal moves through the Senate and the House. Senate Bill 10 proposes the purchase of 60,000 acres of …

USDA Increases Fiscal Year 2017 Specialty Sugar TRQ

Taylor Hillman Industry News Release, Sugar

The Department of Agriculture Friday announced an increase in the fiscal year 2017 specialty sugar tariff-rate quota, or TRQ. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …