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
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
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 ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers Efforts Important to …
Tomato Sandwich Day Success
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 ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides …
Salmonella Traceback Continues
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 ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers …
Happy Energy Independence Day
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 …
Bayer CropScience 2008 Vegetable Seminar A Hit
Last week about 100 vegetable growers and Bayer CropScience representatives gathered in South Florida for the 2008 Bayer CropScience Vegetable Seminar, where attendees were on hand to celebrate the launch of two key products, Movento and Synapse. Industry experts presented the latest research on managing key pests and diseases, and a good time was had by all while at the …
Sugar Lobby Icon “D-Y” Retires from DC, Returns to Florida
This news post taken from an American Sugar Alliance communique this week noting that Dalton Yancey is moving back to Florida to retire after years of service to the sugar industry in Washington D. C. Some of us have known Dalton simply as “D-Y” since way back when he represented the Florida Sugar Cane League. AgNet hats are off to …
Bee Disappearance Getting Worse
Multiple witnesses had the same message for the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture regarding the disappearance of bees due to colony collapse disorder – it’s getting worse and they still don’t know what is causing it or how to cure it. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Oriental Fruit Flies Found In Orlando
TALLAHASSEE – Two Oriental fruit flies have been found in Orange County, Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson has announced. During routine trapping activities on Friday, June 20, a USDA fruit-fly technician collected two suspect Oriental fruit flies from a fruit fly trap hanging in a sweet orange tree in the Winter Park area of Orlando. The fruit flies were confirmed by …