FL Ag Census Shows Growth in Women, Minority & Family Farms

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

In this fourth and final segment of a four part series, Florida Agriculture Statistics Director Jeff Geuder discusses the growth in diversity of Florida’s farms and farmers since the last Census of Agriculture five years ago. 2007 Census of Agriculture data was released last week, and we talked to Geuder about it just after his briefing with Agriculture Commissioner Charles …

A Visit with FL House Agriculture Committee Chair, Trudi Williams

Gary Cooper Cattle, Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Representative Trudi Williams of Ft Myers represents Lee and Collier Counties in the Legislature and is Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. In the first report she comments on the budget cuts expected and how agriculture may fare. In the second report, Williams discusses water issues. And in the third report, Williams discusses sustainability. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, …

Agriculture Census Shows Strengths of Industry for Florida Economy

Gary Cooper Beef, Cattle, Citrus, Dairy, Florida, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables

In this series of reports, Florida Agriculture Statistics Director Jeff Geuder explains several key findings of the latest Census of Agriculture as it pertains to Florida. How about the aging of Florida’s farmers and ranchers, and are family farms holding on or not? As far as Florida’s ranking nationally in terms of agriculture’s importance, the data says a lot, too. …

Hauling Regs for Ag Trucks in FL Relaxed Thru Feb 25 Due To Cold

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables, Weather

HAULING AG PRODUCTS RELAXED UNTIL FEB. 25 AS ICY BLAST HITS FLORIDA, BRONSON ANNOUNCES TALLAHASSEE – (FDACS) As agricultural producers begin assessing freeze damage from the overnight Arctic blast that impacted the state, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced today that an executive order relaxing weight limits on trucks transporting vulnerable crops has been extended until …

2007 Ag Census Shows Florida Agriculture Remaining STRONG

Gary Cooper Cattle, Citrus, Florida, General, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The results of the 2007 Census of Agriculture were released at 1:00 p.m. today, and it may surprise some to know that Florida agriculture is getting stronger in many ways. Hear some brief facts in this report, and stay tuned as we post other reports and other information in days ahead. Florida farmers and ranchers may want to brush up …

FL Agriculture Braces for Cold, Again Rushes Harvest & Hauling

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

TALLAHASSEE (FDACS)– Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is alerting the state’s agricultural producers that more freezing weather is expected this week that could impact crops as far south as the Lake Okeechobee area. Florida is at the peak of harvest season for many fruits and vegetables. Crops at risk include citrus, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, snap beans, celery, sweet corn, …

National Weather Service Cold Weather Bulletin for So Florida

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

NWS /ISSUED 448 AM EST TUE FEB 3 2009/..COLDEST AIR OF THIS WINTER SEASON ARRIVING WED NIGHT…HARD FREEZE AND FREEZE WATCHES ISSUED FOR A LARGE PORTION OF MAINLAND SOUTH FL… DISCUSSION…ONE COLD FRONT WILL EXIT THE AREA THIS MORNING. A FEW SHOWERS ARE SEEN ON RADAR OFF THE WEST CENTRAL FL COAST WITH SPRINKLES ACROSS PARTS OF THE AREA…SO ADDED …

FL Organic Growers to Hold Workshop in Palmetto Thurs Feb 5

Gary Cooper Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG) will partner with UF IFAS to present a free workshop Feb. 5 at the Manatee County Extension Office in Palmetto for farmers interested in transitioning to organic production. The workshop is part of a FOG program that offers farmers an opportunity to receive free technical assistance to transition to organic production. By …

Putnam Makes It Official – He’s Running for FL Ag Commissioner

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Sugar, Vegetables

Central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam has reportedly made it official. According to several Associated Press articles published today Putnam plans to run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2010 and is reportedly doing his formal paperwork to enter the race today. Putnam is featured speaker this Friday at the Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association annual meeting in Arcadia. Stay …

Deep Southeast Braces for Cold…Again

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables, Weather

Similar to a couple weeks ago, there are lots of indicators that very cold temperatures will again visit an already freeze weary winter fruit and vegetable production region. By the way, an important reminder for growers sent to us from Ray Royce at Highlands County Citrus Growers Association – Remember to properly record all pumpage for frost or freeze protection …