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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
By Frank Giles There has been a lot of breaking news on the labor front lately. More came down just as we were set to send this issue to the printer. In late August, a federal court in Louisiana vacated the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology rule. Opponents of the methodology applauded the …
By Clint Thompson Vegetable growers must plan ahead when managing whiteflies. It starts before the season even begins; really, even before the prior season ends, explains grower Elizabeth Malek with Lipman Farms. She spoke about whitefly management during a panel discussion at the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. “You have to think about the start of your …
Phytophthora root rot’s impact on young citrus trees is concerning for groves in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. Newly planted trees are more vulnerable to the disease than older, established trees, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. He discussed the disease’s impact during the Citrus Grower’s Summer …
Consumer demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables outweighs the availability of organic farms growing the food. In fact, while certified organic U.S. land for growing crops or livestock is increasing according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic acreage is still less than 1% of American farmland. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts and stakeholders …
By Clint Thompson The discontinuation of the Farm Labor Survey was an important victory for fruit and vegetable growers hoping for relief from the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. Now growers and industry leaders are waiting for what happens next, says Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. “From our perspective, we’re hopeful that …
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is advising blueberry growers on management steps they need to implement during September. Producers should scout for algal stem blotch disease, while also monitoring and managing leaf diseases. For those farming operations, continue monthly through-irrigation or banded bed applications of a phosphorous acid product. Insect control is also important. Growers …
The September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the recent Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo held on Aug. 20-21 in Tampa, Florida. Attendees learned from various researchers and industry specialists about information pertinent to the citrus and fruit and vegetable industries. Land-grant universities are gearing up for a technological revolution. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …
By Clint Thompson Tomato breeding research remains vital to the long-term sustainability of the industry in Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown provided an update for growers during the Florida Tomato Conference on Sept. 4. She emphasized the importance of grower interaction and learning what qualities are needed, such as fusarium …
By Clint Thompson Florida specialty crop producers should mark their calendars for Friday, Nov. 7 for the groundbreaking of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. The new AI Center will be located at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Scott Angle, UF/IFAS Senior …
Recent rains have helped alleviate some dry areas in the Southeast, according to the Aug. 28 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. It is especially evident in Georgia. Minimal abnormally dry conditions are observed in the southwest corner of the state, including Seminole, Decatur, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Miller, Baker and Mitchell counties. A small area in Northwest Georgia is abnormally …
