TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is alerting the state’s agricultural producers that some highway restrictions have been eased to enable them to quickly harvest and transport crops that are vulnerable to the impending freezing weather conditions.
Cold Front Moving East
Early January looks mild weather-wise for the country, after a cold front moves through this weekend. Report (1:00 mp3)
Southeast Weather Stories in 2007
2007 was a year of weather extremes in the southeast, from a late spring freeze to a record drought. Report (1:00 mp3)
Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) Update
Citrus Industry Magazine editor Ernie Neff was on hand in Tavares this week for a meeting about this unique internet-based weather information reporting service. Learn more from the FAWN website. Report (2:00 mp3)
Drought Disaster Declaration
The latest drought disaster declaration from the US Department of Agriculture makes agricultural producers in every county in Florida, plus some in Georgia and Alabama, eligible for low interest loans. The primary disaster declaration is for 58 Florida counties, but the other nine counties are also eligible because they are contiguous. Another five counties in Alabama and 11 in Georgia …
La Nina Watch Issued for AL, FL, & GA
There has been talk of a possible La Nina affecting the Southeast this winter, and now climatologists have issued a watch which means the development of one is likely.  Report (1:35 mp3)
Crop Conditions Worsen
The scorching temperatures continued around the state last week, according to USDA’s Ag Statistics Service, and conditions for cotton and peanuts are slipping in the southeast. AL Report (1:00 mp3) GA Report (1:30 mp3) USDA NASS
Problem with Current Farm Policy
This year is shaping up to be a prime example of the problem with current farm policy that tends to pay farmers more when prices are low but production is very high. Report (1:00 mp3)
Weather Worries
Tropical storm activity appears to be picking up which could be welcome news for parts of the southeast suffering from extreme drought, or it could mean hurricanes on the way. Report (1:00 mp3) Report (:45 mp3)
Lake O Levels Cause Concern
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson says consumers will see food prices increase and the state face serious economic consequences if the prolonged drought in southeast Florida continues. Total statewide economic losses have already topped an estimated $100 million this year, and are expected to surpass $1 billion over the next two years if the current situation …