The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated seven Florida counties primary natural disaster areas. Palm Beach County was designated a primary natural disaster area because of freezing temperatures that occurred in February. Also eligible because they are contiguous are Broward, Hendry and Martin counties. Highlands, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Okeechobee and Taylor counties were designated primary natural disaster areas because of …
SART Prepares for Hurricane Season
The Florida State Agricultural Response Team kicked off the new hurricane season by hosting its first annual statewide training conference last week in St. Petersburg. Among the agencies participating was USDA’s state Natural Resources Conservation Service. Report (1:00 mp3)
FL AgNet Week in Review June 1, 2007
In this weeks podcast, ranchers are encouraged to be aware of the possiblility for Tropical Soda Apple when purchasing hay, the Florida Forestry Industry shoots for number 1, May 31 was the last day for citrus canker insurance coverage, and the drought’s effect on Lake Okeechobee. To hear Florida’s weekly reviews subscribe to our podcast .
Cotton Growers Dry
Georgia Cotton Commission executive director Richey Seaton says the dry weather is a serious situation for cotton growers. Report (1:00 mp3)
Dry Lake Okeechobee
Low water levels in Lake Okeechobee and continued dry weather is getting national media coverage, with no relief in sight. Water levels in Lake Okeechobee are expected to drop below the record of just under nine feet on Thursday, according to the South Florida Water Management district, making this the worst drought on record. Report (1:00 wma)
Disaster Designations
As drought conditions continue in the Southeast, USDA has declared 152 Georgia counties and 41 Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to unseasonably low temperatures, frost and freezing conditions that occurred from April 6, 2007, through April 8, 2007. In addition, nine North Florida counties and 10 Alabama counties are included in the Georgia declaration because they are …
FL Commissioner’s Spotlight
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson talks about the Division of Forestry calling for an end to the burning of all yard waste by homeowners. More information about yard trash burning can be found on this web page: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/press/2007/05082007.html. A daily report on Florida’s wildfires can be found on the Division of Forestry’s web site. Report (1:00 wma)
FL AgNet Week in Review May 11, 2007
In this week’s report, Gary Cooper talks with Congressman Adam Putnam on specialty crops, Florida growers visit Brazil and Argentina, a Plant Material Workshop is planned for next week, the current Florida drought, and Florida Legislature plans for a special session. To hear Florida’s weekly reviews subscribe to our podcast .
Dry Weather and Fires
Wild fires are burning in Georgia and Florida and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the problem is being compounded by drought-like conditions which are also impacting water tables. GA Report (1:00 wma) FL Report (1:00 wma)
Dry Weather Concerns
Congressman Allen Boyd, who is a fifth generation farmer from north Florida, expressed his concerns about dry conditions during an interview in Washington DC last week. Report (1:00 wma)