Florida Grower: It’s not going to be like it was last year It’s a tale of two seasons for Florida blueberry growers. Producers were early with last year’s crop but encountered COVID-19 that kept prices low. This year’s cooler weather has slowed the growth of the blueberry crop, which means it’ll likely be ready for its normal timeframe. Hopefully, that’ll …
Farming’s Future: Ag Labor Reform Needed Now More Than Ever
The future of the American farmer is bleak. Farmers themselves are hinting that the end is near for their career in the field, amid increasing costs, decreasing prices and steady imports from Mexico. One significant help would come in reform to the current H-2A guestworker program, according to Allison Crittenden, Director of Congressional Relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation. …
Cup of Joe in the Sunshine State? UF Researchers Using AI to Study Coffee’s Potential
A changing climate could lead to a new crop for Florida producers. University of Florida (UF) scientists are already growing coffee plants at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit. This could lead to coffee being produced in the Sunshine State one day. The project, which is a collaboration between the UF Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and UF/IFAS, …
What You Should Know About the ‘Star Ruby’ Grapefruit
See why this is the red grapefruit of choice for many growers committed to Florida citrus production.
H-2A Reform: Is Farm Workforce Modernization Act the Answer?
If it’s not at the top of the list of concerns for vegetable and specialty crop producers, it’s near the top – immigration reform, specifically H-2A reform. One potential remedy could be on the way. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced last week by two members of the House of Representatives, is the latest attempt to help farmers who are …
Lights Out: UV System Helpful Against Strawberry Pathogen
When the light goes on, it’s lights out for a ruinous strawberry pathogen. Just imagine this: Pulling an ultraviolet lamp behind a tractor out into your farm in the middle of the night, pointing the UV light at the strawberries and zapping powdery mildew right out of the leaves and fruit. That’s the idea behind new research led by UF/IFAS …
Citrus Achievement Award Winners Believe in Future of the Industry
Optimistic and progressive producers speak out on what lies ahead for the Sunshine State’s signature crop.
Flash Drought: Potentially Devastating to Crops
Parts of the Southeast have experienced excessive rainfall this year. But periods of prolonged dry spells could be just around the corner and be detrimental to the growth of vegetables and specialty crops. What is really concerning to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, are those flash droughts. She spoke about the impact flash droughts can have on …
Mighty Mites: UF Scientists Provide Information for Hemp Producers
University of Florida researchers have released information about mites that could impact the state’s hemp producers. The mites can cause devastation to hemp produced in fields and greenhouses. These include hemp russet mites, broad mites and spider mites. “These pests can attack hemp by distorting growth, causing defoliation and even killing plants,” said Lance Osborne, a professor of entomology at …
Dumping Produce: Mexican Imports Flooding Market
It is the same old story that Florida producers have, unfortunately, grown accustomed to. Another week, another dose of vegetable imports from Mexico that diminish market prices. Florida farmers continue to take the brunt of financial punishment. Gene McAvoy, University of Florida Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus, confirmed the dire news that Mexican produce continues to flood the American …