Category Archive

By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry production is ahead of schedule this year, says one industry expert. “Things have been looking a little early. Of course, it’s variety specific, but things are looking a little early,” said Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “I saw a pretty heavy floral bud set on …

The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), along with the National Council of Agricultural Employers and Western Growers Association, issued a letter to the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security in December, regarding concerns over delays in the administrative processing of H-2A visas. The letter addressed how workers are being delayed by consular administrative processing. Leaders …

By Clint Thompson Weather statistics for 2025 indicated a drier than normal year for the Southeast. It was the driest in Florida, South Georgia and Alabama, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. She noted in the UGA Climate and Agriculture Blog that last year’s weather, especially during the fall, was warmer and drier than usual. …

The next big citrus event, hosted by AgNet Media, is about two months away. This year’s Florida Citrus Show with Specialty Crops is scheduled for Thursday, March 12 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Booth prices are still available for those vendors interested in attending. The standard exhibit space is $525, while the equipment exhibit space is $575. Space is limited, and …

Priorities for 2026: Navigating Trade, Policy and Elections By Mike Joyner Florida’s specialty crop producers and the wider agricultural industry continue to encounter significant challenges. This includes unfair trade, rising input costs and issues tied to both the cost and availability of labor. However, several emerging opportunities expected in 2026 may help drive meaningful change. In last year’s column, I …

By Clint Thompson Southeast watermelon producers who are pondering the use of grafted plants to combat fusarium wilt disease must remember that grafted plants have later maturity than regular plants. That’s a message that a panel, including Josh Freeman, regional sales manager with TriEst Ag Group, shared at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute in Fanning Springs, Florida. “Nobody knows …

By Clint Thompson The emergence of neopestalotiopsis disease in Southeast strawberries has forced growers to manage their crops differently compared to previous years. Take Florida producer Dustin Grooms for instance. Grooms, who grows strawberries with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida, had to recently consider the disease’s impact against managing the crop amid plunging temperatures. “We had some cold weather …

By Clint Thompson Cost reduction is near the top of watermelon farmers’ priority lists heading into the 2026 season. It was the subject of a presentation at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute in Fanning Springs, Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, was one of …

Whitefly populations remain closely watched in southern Florida. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts report pressure in Southwest Florida vary by location and crop stage, though overall population levels are moderate and increasing. Elevated nymph populations are observed in older tomato fields. Whiteflies remain low in most conventional watermelon and tomato fields. Organic vegetables are experiencing …

As we enter the height of Florida’s strawberry production season, many consumers crave the taste and aroma of the fruit. That’s part of what compels Mark Porter to try to enhance those qualities. For his doctoral dissertation, Porter led novel research in which he and his faculty advisors found groups of genes that will enable them to develop the tastiest …