The National Ag Statistics Service reports the status of the harvest so far in Alabama. Report (1:00 mp3) And the acreage for vegetables this fall. Report (1:00 mp3) USDA NASS
Methyl Bromide Alternative Approved
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved a one-year registration of iodomethane (methyl iodide) as an alternative to methyl bromide under highly restrictive provisions governing its use. Iodomethane can be used as a pre-plant soil fumigant to control plant pathogens, nematodes, insects, and weeds on strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, ornamentals, turf, trees, and vines. Read more from EPA. Report (1:00 wma)
Labor Seminars Planned for Florida Growers
Sponsoring this news posting: Here is some preliminary information regarding the U.S. Department of Labor’s Annual Agricultural Seminars. Speakers are expected to cover topics such as H2A, housing and transportation safety, and worker documentation (Social Security Cards). Additionally, there will be segments on joint employment, independent contractor vs. employee, and field sanitation regulations. For the dates and locations click here …
FFBF VP Testifies on Labor Issues
The House Agriculture Committee heard from farmers concerned with the growing shortage of farm labor in the United States. One of those who testified was Rick Roth, a grower from Belle Glade and vice president of Florida Farm Bureau. Report (1:00 mp3)
Shrink Wrapped Potatoes
Convenience is number one for consumers and the potato industry is trying to address that need with shrink wrapped baking potatoes. Report (1:00 mp3)
Fairness on the Farm
A new Environmental Defense report, Fairness on the Farm, shows that 37 states would receive between $1 million and $33 million more in annual federal support if some direct payments subsidies were shifted to conservation funding. Alabama and Florida would receive the most benefit – about $26-27 million. FL Report(1:00 mp3) AL Report(1:00 mp3)
Watermelon Overproduction
The bottom fell out of the watermelon market this summer, thanks to too many growers trying to cash in on last year’s good prices according to Bob Morrissy with the National Watermelon Association. Report (1:00 mp3)
UGA Receives Food Safety Grant
USDA has awarded more than $14 million in food safety grants to researchers and educators at 17 universities throughout the United States that will focus on improving food safety and reducing the incidence of food borne illnesses. The University of Georgia and Ohio State University received the two largest grants from USDA at 2.5 million each, while the other 15 …
Conner’s Concerns About Sugar Policy
Acting Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner says US sugar policy has some problems that should be addressed in a new farm bill. Report (1:00 mp3)
THE FARM DOG!
Being the dog lovers we are around the network headquarters, I thought I’d share this commentary in particular. It’s from Southeast AgNet’s long-time commentary producer, Everett Griner. He first did this one many years ago, and I recently asked him to do it again so it would become part of these network on-line archives. By the way, in case you’re …