The July 16 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows lingering drought conditions in the southern and northern areas of Georgia, sufficient moisture throughout most of Alabama and extreme conditions in North Florida and down the state’s west coast. Alabama The driest areas in Alabama are located in the northern parts of the state. Moderate drought is observed in Northwest …
SCFBA Co-Chair: Window Open to Get Farm Bill Completed
By Clint Thompson The time is now for legislative leaders to strike a deal on the next farm bill. The House has already released its version. The Senate recently released its draft. The window is open for this important piece of legislation to get passed, says Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and co-chair of the Specialty Crop …
Bamboo Field Day Features the Evolving Industry in Florida
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted a bamboo field day in July at Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery in Frostproof. Scientists at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) have initiated several projects to evaluate bamboo varieties and production practices. Phillip Rucks has planted numerous bamboo varieties for evaluation and sells bamboo plants to …
Scientists Try to Limit Tomato Disease from Spreading Via Grower Spraying
Bacterial spot disease isn’t just a nuisance for tomato growers – it’s a relentless, weather-powered villain that can ruin a field of promising fruit. When warm rains roll in and humidity hangs in the air, the pathogen behind bacterial spot comes alive, spreading fast and scarring tomatoes so they can’t be sold. Growers rely on fungicides to fight the disease, …
Drought Update in the Southeast
By Clint Thompson The July 9 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows minor change to the drought conditions being observed across the Southeast. Florida The driest area in Florida remains in the northern area of the state. Extreme drought is still being experienced in the area, starting as far west as Franklin and Wakulla counties, stretching eastward to Duval, …
Early Bird Registration for Florida Labor Relations Forum is Slated for July 15
Early bird registration for Florida’s 52nd annual Agricultural Labor Relations Forum ends Wednesday, July 15. This year’s forum, presented by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, is scheduled for Aug. 12-14 in Orlando, Florida. The labor forum is designed to educate agricultural employers, producers, shippers, contractors and other employers on compliance with labor laws and relations practices. Highlights of this year’s …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Hacking of Gene McAvoy
By Frank Giles Many people involved in specialty crop production in the Southeast know the name Gene McAvoy. He was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2024 for his 25-year career serving University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension and for many other roles in agriculture. He operates an active ag consulting service today. …
Fusarium Wilt, Nutsedge Still Top Challenges for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson The final email sent to North Florida watermelon producers by Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, recapped this season in the Suwannee Valley. Hochmuth once again stressed the significance of fusarium wilt and nutsedge and their impacts on watermelon production in the region. …
Pruning Key to Blackberry Success in Florida
By Clint Thompson Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), has only conducted blackberry research since 2022 but has quickly realized how vital pruning is to successful blackberry production in the Southeast. “Pruning is very critical because if you will keep the branches, which give you the fruit, it will …
UF/IFAS Expert Touts Value of Soil Moisture Sensors
By Clint Thompson Soil moisture sensors are used by most large-acre farmers in Florida, according to one industry expert. Extension personnel can help growers use the technology more effectively, says Jay Capasso, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent for Northeast District Capasso was a featured speaker during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation …



















