Turner said people who have a vested interest in federal farm program delivery in Cheatham County will have their chance to be heard on Monday. During the annual meeting, more than 1,000 Kubota dealers from across the country convened to receive a first look at Kubota's new products for 2008, including tractors, construction equipment, utility vehicles, and lawn and garden equipment. Dry weather during September allowed farmers to make excellent harvest progress, market watchers said....

However, the tobacco-to-hotels conglomerate - which has been trying to reduce its dependence on cigarettes - said underlying growth in post-tax profit was higher at 18. The business moved away from the dual pricing methodology to rupee billing from September to insulate itself from the impact of the appreciating rupee. ITC said that its hotels business witnessed 13% growth during the second quarter which was driven by improved revenue per available room at most properties and superior food...

In addition, O'Malley plans to ask lawmakers to raise the state sales tax, tobacco tax and income tax for the wealthy during the special session. In addition, O'Malley plans to ask lawmakers to raise the state sales tax, tobacco tax and income tax for the wealthy during the special session. The governor proposes a referendum on slot machines that would allow up to 15,000 at five locations in the state. He warns that Maryland's economy could suffer if lawmakers rush through decisions....

While wet weather has slowed much of the year's harvest, a mostly dry September helped Tennessee farmers get their crops in ahead of schedule. Hot weather vexed the state's soybean crop which is expected to be down 48 percent from last year, the lowest since 1966. The state's cotton and soybean crop took enormous hits this season, while corn production had one of its largest years. Cotton production is expected to be down 43 percent from last year and the 780,000 bales produced will be the...

If we didn't have the shade tobacco [crop], we couldn't do this," says Martin, as she surveys hundreds of pumpkins and gourds displayed on wooden pallets and in crates. Cigar manufacturers prize the shade leaf tobacco grown in the Connecticut River Valley, but the crop doesn't have the family-friendly cachet of a big orange pumpkin. The tobacco harvest, which takes place in July and August, is "very labor intensive, with more than 200 employees," she says. The bulk of the crop is displayed...