Farm Bill Progress for SPECIALTY CROPS!

Gary Cooper Citrus, General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

A news report out of a California newspaper this week says California Congresswoman and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has a deal with the House Agriculture Committee in Farm Bill negotiations that will provide more than $1.5 Billion dollars over five years for the state’s specialty crops, including research dollars, more access to fruits and veggies for school lunches, …

Futurist Lowell Catlett WOWS FL Fert & Ag Chem Mtg

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

Florida Fertilizer and AgriChemical Association celebrated its 75th anniversary this week at the annual summer meeting in Naples. A real treat on the program was to hear popular futurist and professor of ag economics at New Mexico State University, Dr Lowell Catlett. Hear some interesting comments in these reports. And remember citrus growers, to pre-register for Citrus Expo to be …

FL Fruit Fly Find, Brazilian Crop #’s and More Citrus Headlines

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

Several headline tidbits for Florida citrus and specialty crop growers in the two reports below, including basic facts available about a fruit fly find in the Tampa Bay area this week, and citrus crop expectations being reported out of Brazil as growers in South America begin their harvest season. Report (2:00 mp3) Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember …

Int’l Symposium in Orlando To Address Precision Ag

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, International, Vegetables

University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred will host an International Symposium on Applications for Precision Agriculture in Fruits and Vegetables next January 6-9 in Orlando. Hear more details in this report, and find lots more about the program at this link (pdf file) Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers …

Produce Safety Research Needs

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The need for increased research into food safety for fresh produce is critical for producers, according to Dr. Martha Roberts who testified recent congressional hearing on behalf of the Florida Tomato Exchange. Report (1:30 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Collapsing Colonies

Randall Weiseman General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

During a recent speech to introduce the new US postal service pollinator stamps, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns talked about the importance of honey bees, how Colony Collapse Disorder is affecting bees in 35 states, and what USDA is doing about it. Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners …

Young Farmer Produce Leader

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Erin Hanas Archey of Oviedo, an economic analyst for A. Duda & Sons, Inc. and a member of Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Group, has been named to the 13th Produce Industry Leadership Class by United Fresh Produce Association. Read release from Florida Farm Bureau. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers …

Valent Select Max for Leafy Greens

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Valent USA Corporation has announced a new registration for its Select Max Herbicide to be used on pulse crops such as dry beans and peas, as well as other specialty crops like asparagus and leafy greens. Report (1:30 mp3) Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Subcommittee Votes for Commodity Title Extension

Randall Weiseman General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Rather than overhauling the safety net for America’s farmers and ranchers – a House Ag Subcommittee has voted to keep the subsidy portion of the 2002 Farm Bill in place for the next five years. The proposal rejects the USDA plan for major changes in the commodity title and administration officials are disappointed while ag groups are divided on the …

New Name for Foundation

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Research & Education Foundation has been renamed the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, Executive Director Mike Carlton announced today. The name change is part of a reorganization that began when Carlton was named as the foundation’s first full-time executive director in January. “Our mission is to be the leading organization for specialty crop research, education and …