Weed Technology Focus on Specialty Herbicides

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Four articles in the latest issue of Weed Technology, published by the Weed Science Society of America, address the topic of higher costs and liability risks limiting the number of herbicides in development for specialty crops such as lettuce and strawberries. Listen to report here: Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement …

Tomato Prices Up

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The good news in the tomato business these days is that prices are higher. Listen to report here: 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 For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025

Tomato Shipments Down, Costs Up

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Since tomatoes were prematurely indicted as the salmonella cause in early June, shipments are down, as growers continue to be squeezed by higher input costs. Report(1:00 mp3) 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 For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025

USDA: $28.4 MILLION FOR SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH

Gary Cooper Citrus, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2008 -Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced today that USDA is making available $28.4 million for research and extension projects in fiscal year 2008 to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address needs of specific crops. “This is a substantial investment in scientific research and technology for production …

Georgia Asking for Tomato Grower Assistance

Randall Weiseman Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin will be asking the state’s congressional delegation to procure disaster assistance for Georgia’s tomato growers. “Part of the blame for the economic disaster to tomato growers could and should be attributed to federal agencies that singled out tomatoes as the sole suspect of the salmonella Saintpaul outbreak,” Commissioner Irvin said. Report (1:00 mp3) …

Ethanol ByProduct Could Provide Weed Control

Randall Weiseman Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops

A team of Agriculture Department researchers may have found a new use for a by-product of ethanol production – controlling weeds in potted plants. USDA’s Agriculture Research Service recently completed a study on the use of dried distillers grains, or DDGS, as a weed deterrent in container-grown ornamentals. The study was published in the February 2008 issue of HortScience. Report …

Jalapenos Possible Salmonella Source

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The focus of finding the source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 900 people nationwide has now shifted away from tomatoes to jalapeno peppers. Report (1:00 mp3) 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 For Timely ResearchSeptember …

Tomato Sandwich Day Success

Randall Weiseman Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

A “Georgia Grown” Tomato Sandwich Day last week in Atlanta was a juicy success. Charles Hall, executive director of Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, joined Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin and members of the media for the event. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances …

Salmonella Traceback Continues

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The Food and Drug Administration is continuing its traceback to determine the source of the salmonella outbreak, looking into other possible contamination sources besides tomatoes, especially those contained in fresh salsa. Report(1:00 mp3) 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 …

Happy Energy Independence Day

Randall Weiseman Energy, Field Crops, General, Sugar

As we celebrate our country’s independence this weekend, many in the agriculture industry are continuing to push towards energy independence with the help of biofuels like soy biodiesel. Report(1:00 mp3) A provision in the Farm Bill allows excess sugar to be made into ethanol. Report(1:00 mp3) And USDA is researching a number of “power plants” that could provide biomass for …