The 31st annual Southwest Florida Farm Safety Day is scheduled for Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, Florida. The educational event is designed to emphasize the importance of farm and equipment safety. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 22. …
Improved Prices for Florida Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson The prolonged period of decreased prices for Florida tomatoes may be nearing an end. Growers should be encouraged by an uptick in prices in recent weeks. Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, describes the change in momentum that has shifted in producers’ favor. “A month ago, …
Spanish Version of Blueberry App a Benefit for Florida Industry
By Clint Thompson A new Spanish version of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Blueberry Growers Guide app will benefit a plethora of workers within the industry. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discusses its importance. “There’s a lot of growers, farm managers, field crew where English …
Budgeting for Specialty Crop Success
By Clint Thompson At a time when input prices are historically high and availability a serious concern for specialty crop producers, growers need to ensure budgeting is a priority for the spring season. Jessie Rowan, Alabama regional Extension agent, who specializes in commercial horticulture and farm and agribusiness management, discusses the importance of understanding and planning for the different expenses. …
Alabama Extension Economist: Hard to Say How Long High Input Prices Will Continue
By Clint Thompson One Alabama Extension economist believes it is unreasonable to predict how much longer input prices will remain at historically high levels. That’s why Adam Rabinowitz wants specialty crop producers to focus on profits and not yields entering this production season. “These input prices, we’re sitting here scratching our heads looking at these prices going up. It’s not …
UGA Extension Pecan Specialist: Know Your Costs of Production
By Clint Thompson Lenny Wells’ words of wisdom to potential pecan producers is simple: Know your costs of production. The University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist stresses to growers interested in starting their own orchards to familiarize themselves with input costs. “It was expensive before, but now with the increase in input costs, like everything, it’s gone way up. As …
Copper Applications: What to Know for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson A better understanding of copper applications could provide North Florida watermelon producers a safer management plan in producing their crop this season. Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County, wants to better educate producers about the different forms of copper and its potential impact on watermelon plants. …
Florida Watermelon Producer Discusses Inputs, Looming Market Prices
By Clint Thompson Florida Watermelon harvests are about to commence. One producer has done all he can to keep his crop clean this season, even if input costs rose to new heights. “I’ve got no disease pressure, no bug pressure. We spray them every seven days. You sit back and wonder if we’re wasting money because there’s nothing wrong with …
CP Shutdown Another Potential Blow to Agriculture
By Clint Thompson The ongoing labor dispute that shut down the Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway on Sunday could have a ripple effect down to the specialty crop sector in the Southeast. Andrew Walmsley, senior director for congressional relations at American Farm Bureau Federation, said the shutdown means approximately 140,000 barrels of oil are not being shipped out daily. Fertilizer shipments, …
Inputs a Major Concern for Potato Producers
By Clint Thompson Potato producers are not immune to the supply chain woes befallen other specialty crops. Kam Quarles, Chief executive officer of the National Potato Council, discusses the issues that are concerning to the potato sector. “For this past year, it’s been a really tight market. I think the challenge going forward is in regard to inputs. Fertilizer prices …