Bush Nominates New Ag Secretary
President Bush made a surprise nomination for Secretary of Agriculture Wednesday afternoon - a little-known former governor from North Dakota, Ed Schafer.
In making the announcement, Bush said, “Ed Schafer is the right choice to fill this post. He was a leader on agricultural issues during his eight years as the governor of North Dakota. He worked to open new markets for North Dakota farmers and ranchers by expanding trade with China. He oversaw the development of the state’s agricultural biofuels industry. He helped families recover from natural disasters — including drought, fires and floods. And he pioneered innovative programs to increase economic opportunity in rural communities.”
U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Ranking Republican Member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, said, “I am pleased the President has nominated former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer to lead the Department of Agriculture. He has a strong background in public service, which will certainly be a valuable asset in his new role as Secretary. I look forward to getting to know Governor Schafer during the confirmation process and will work hard to fill this critical position for U.S. agriculture as soon as possible.”
There had been little speculation about who Bush might nominate to serve out the remaining months as agriculture secretary in his administration as many believed Acting Secretary Chuck Conner would get the job considering the importance of the current farm bill negotiations.
Even though beef demand continues to be strong, it’s getting tougher and tougher to continue with the programs across Florida to promote beef like before. Florida Beef Council Chairman Brad Etheridge knows the checkoff is working, but worries about the dwindling funds. 
Keeping producers informed as to how their beef checkoff dollars are being used is an effort underway across the nation. And the Georgia Beef Board staff spent time recently talking with cattlemen across the state about this at various events like the Sunbelt Ag Expo and wants all to know it’s something they are willing to discuss any time. 
USDA made two announcements about the Conservation Security Program this week.
In this report, CEO Mike Sparks of Florida Citrus Mutual discusses efforts at the Florida Department of Citrus to fix the “Free Riders” issue.
In this report, comments from Dr Harold Browning, Director of the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, about the latest progress on the citrus research front.
What happened in the Dept. of Agriculture under Mike Johanns? Everett Griner tells us some of the good things and just what Mr. Johanns accomplished. 
In the first report, an overview of efforts underway to deal with “Free Riders”, who many believe unfairly benefit from Florida citrus marketing efforts without joining Florida growers to pay for it all. Comments from Citrus Commissioner Bob Behr (top right), from an earlier interview about “Free Riders.” In the second report, core members of the Citrus Expo 
Overall, peanut harvest is still behind what’s normal for this time of year, while the cotton & corn harvest is ahead…..that is in some areas it is. 
The Florida Legislature got together and passed a proposed constitutional amendment to cut property taxes that should be on the ballot for voters in January. Senate Ag Committee chairman JD Alexander says it is an improvement over what they considered last week.
According to USDA’s ag statistics service in Georgia, just 30 percent of the cotton was harvested as of Sunday, compared to 45 percent normal for this time of year, but some growers like Georgia Cotton Commission chairman Louie Perry of Moultrie are finished with their harvest.
The new 
Syngenta Crop Protection recently sponsored the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association education scholarship for the fourth year in a row. This year’s winner was Derek Orsenigo, who is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Operations Management at the University of Florida.
The 80th annual National FFA Convention concluded over the weekend in Indianapolis. One news item from the convention was the announcement that USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service will be partnering with FFA to promote the 2007 Census of Agriculture.
In these reports, more comments from State Sen Mike Haridopolos about spending of tax dollars and the need for change in the way Florida handles its money. 
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson talks about on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). 
The main topic last week at a meeting of NASS officials in Jacksonville, Florida was preparations for the new Census of Agriculture.
