President Bush signed a short term extension of the current farm bill last week and this week Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer outlined what the president expects Congress to deliver in a Farm Bill by April 18. Report (1:00 mp3) Schafer says what the administration wants includes funding for specialty crops. Report (1:00 mp3) According to Schafer if Congress fails …
Congress Urged to Ratify Colombia Free Trade Pact
The Bush administration is urging Congress to ratify the Colombia Free Trade Agreement that was negotiated in 2006. USDA officials say it would be good for agriculture – including grains, meat, cotton, peanuts and specialty crops. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker …
Pest Control Industry Concerned Over IFAS Cuts TOO!
It is a growing reality that major cuts to IFAS will impact far more than just agriculture industries in Florida. In these reports, comments from Florida Pest Control President/CEO Dempsey “D.R.” Sapp Jr, who is in Tallahassee this week as part of a Florida Pest Management Association member delegation. Speaking of industry events in the state Capitol, Florida Cattlemen’s Association …
Georgia Veg Industry Optimism
The Georgia vegetable industry recently overwhelmingly passed a new vegetable marketing order and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association executive director Charles Hall says the industry is really growing in the state. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril …
Infrared to Dry Strawberries
USDA researchers are looking into using infrared heating technology to dry strawberries for processed products. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, 2026United Dairy Farmers of Florida …
FL Senate Ag Committee Chairman Comments on Leg Session
This report is a brief interview with Senator J D Alexander from Polk County who chairs the Ag Committee in the Florida Senate. Speaking with us moments after Thursday’s Ag Committee meeting in the state Capitol, he says it will be an important Session for agriculture and that producers need to get involved in the process. Report (1:55 mp3) Sponsored …
Specialty Crops Outlook
Specialty crops got special notice at USDA’s 2008 Outlook Forum in Washington DC. Tom Stenzel with the United Produce Association talked about how the industry has pulled together in recent years to get recognition in farm legislation. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For …
“Open Outcry” Silenced – Futures Trading Now All Electronic
In these reports, comments from commodities trader Roger Corrado at I C E Futures U S in New York. He says it’s a historic but sad time as the open outcry system for trading futures contracts is silenced. In the third report posted below, some interesting reflections about how Corrado and others got a start in the business. Report (2:00 …
GA Vegetable Marketing Order Passes by 80% Margin
The Georgia Vegetable Commission is pleased to announce the passage of a vegetable marketing order. The marketing order passed with an 80% margin of favor. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research …
South FL Agriculture Workshops to Address Water Restrictions
The following workshops have been scheduled in South Florida concerning the Water Restrictions from the South Florida Water Management District. Irrigation Restrictions: Production Implications” workshops (pdf file) are scheduled as follows: March 5th – Palm Beach County Extension, University of Florida/IFAS, 559 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach; 4:00pm – 6:00pm. March 18th – Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, …