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 …

Bayer CropScience 2008 Vegetable Seminar A Hit

Gary Cooper Florida, Vegetables

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

Gary Cooper Florida, General, Sugar

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

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops

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 ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future …

Oriental Fruit Flies Found In Orlando

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Vegetables

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 …

Colony Collapse Research

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops

The new Farm Bill authorizes up to $20 million per year over the next five years for honey bee research that includes trying to find the cause and the cure for Colony Collapse Disorder. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025Florida …

Sealing a Sweet Deal

Randall Weiseman Florida, General, Sugar

Florida Governor Charlie Crist called the deal announced this week to buy US Sugar the missing link to providing true restoration of the Everglades. Meanwhile, US Sugar president Robert Buker says the sugar industry will remain strong. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle …

More on U S Sugar Corp Purchase by So FL Water Mgmt District

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Sugar

In this post find more details, this from the Water Management District, about their intended purchase of one of Florida’s largest agriculture operations. Also, THIS PDF DOCUMENT (pdf file)provided by the Water Management District goes into more details about the purchase too. Hard to believe they were able to keep this so quiet until just hours before the final announcement! …

Tomatoes and Farmers Markets

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Tomatoes are gradually returning to grocery store shelves and restaurant menus but there is still a great deal of consumer confusion and misinformation as a result of the publicity surrounding the salmonella scare. Meanwhile, farmers markets are benefiting from increased sales. Report(1:00 mp3) In Alabama, Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks is reminding consumers they can find FDA approved “safe to eat” …

U S Sugar Media Statement About SFWMD Buyout

Gary Cooper Cattle, Citrus, Florida, Sugar

Report(1:00 mp3) This in this morning from U S Sugar Corp. regarding the pending purchase plans of South Florida Water Management District to buy the company’s landholdings: CLEWISTON — June 24, 2008 — The proposal announced by Governor Crist is the right thing for the State of Florida and appears to be at a fair price for our shareholders. It …