Florida Blueberries ‘Dodged a Bullet’ with Hurricane Debby

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry crop emerged unscathed following Hurricane Debby’s trek through the region on Aug. 5, according to Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “Things are looking good. I talked to guys in each of the three regions; north, central and south. Very few plants were blown over, a …

The Future of Florida Blueberries Driven by Automation

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops

By Frank Giles Last week, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) hosted its annual fall meeting in Lakeland at Bonnet Springs Park and Event Center. The meeting’s education program covered a wide range of topics, including production, labor and the farm bill debate. Leonard Park, FBGA president, noted in his welcome address that last season was a struggle for Florida’s …

Crop Insurance Deadline is Nov. 20 For Florida Blueberries and Whole-Farm Revenue Protection

Web AdminBlueberries, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Florida blueberry producers that the deadline to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2024 crop year is Nov. 20. Growers who are interested in the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection policy and are late fiscal year filers have until Nov. 20 to apply for crop insurance. Current policyholders who wish to …

Crop Insurance Deadline Is Nov. 20 For Florida Blueberries and Whole-Farm Revenue Protection

Web AdminBlueberries, Florida

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Florida blueberry producers that the deadline to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2024 crop year is Nov. 20. Growers who are interested in the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection policy and are late fiscal year filers have until Nov. 20 to apply for crop insurance. Current policyholders who wish …

Chilli Thrips: Primary Pest of Florida Blueberries

Web AdminBlueberries, Florida, Pests

By Oscar Liburd and Doug Phillips Over the past few years, chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) have become the most important insect pest of Florida blueberries, causing substantial injury to plant foliage and typically requiring significant and costly chemical control measures. Chilli thrips have been an economically important pest of vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops throughout Asia, Africa, Oceania the Caribbean …

Positive/Negative Weather Impacts on Florida Blueberries During Harvests

Web AdminBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson The current dry period persisting through Florida is impacting harvest season for the state’s blueberry producers. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, believes extended periods of dry weather has had positive and negative impacts on growers attempting to harvest this year’s crop. “It’s good news in that you …

Florida Blueberries Escape Significant Damage from Christmas Freeze

Web AdminBlueberries, Weather

By Clint Thompson Timing can make the difference in the success of a specialty crop. In the case of Florida blueberries, it likely has helped the crop survive one of the coldest freeze events in recent memory. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, explains how the lack of blooms in Florida’s …

Christmas Freeze ‘Not Much of an Impact’ on Florida Blueberries

Web AdminBlueberries

By Clint Thompson Timing can make the difference in the success of a specialty crop. In the case of Florida blueberries, it likely has helped the crop survive one of the coldest freeze events in recent memory. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, explains how the lack of blooms in Florida’s …

georgia blueberry

Georgia and Florida Blueberries in Bloom Very Early

Web AdminBerries, Florida, Georgia

By Frank Giles The early blueberry season was highlighted during last weekend’s Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. One topic kept trending for growers in attendance, too many blooms, way too early. Some growers are reporting up to 30% bloom in Georgia. That makes for a challenging winter for producers hoping to avoid hard freezes as the …

Florida Blueberries: Embrace the Future Now to Remain Sustainable

Web AdminBerries, Florida, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson The future of blueberry production is now for Florida farmers hoping to remain sustainable. At least that’s how one blueberry producer views the industry as it’s currently constructed. Like other Florida blueberry growers, Ryan Atwood is not immune to the rising input costs being experienced across agriculture. Fertilizer, fuel, labor, land; all are expenses that are on …