There is new trouble at the ranch. The worsening financial crisis is making it harder and more expensive for farmers and cattlemen to borrow money to pay for feed, land and salaries. While the credit squeeze on the agricultural sector is buffered somewhat by subsidies and other federal assistance, the timing is bad: the costs of fertilizer, fuel, seed and equipment have all risen sharply in recent years, and a global recession is on the horizon. ...more

October 18, 2008

The steepest run-ups in food prices since 1990 are hurting grocery shoppers, restaurants and school cafeterias, but they're making others rich. ...more

May 28, 2008

The fate of frog ponds in Hillsborough County took center stage Thursday when the Environmental Protection Commission agreed to give farmers greater leeway in dredging and filling small wetlands after more than two hours of debate. ...more

January 18, 2008