What’s the Deal? Colder Weather Experienced During Current La Niña

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson January’s cold weather goes against what is normally expected during a La Niña weather pattern. The pattern usually brings warmer and drier conditions during winter months. But this month’s weather has been extremely cold, highlighted by a historic snow event during the week of Jan. 22. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed this …

Florida Citrus Show More Than a Month Away

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson AgNet Media reminds citrus and specialty crop leaders across the Southeast that the Florida Citrus Show is a little more than a month away. The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, in Fort Pierce, Florida. The show will be hosted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education …

Chilli Thrips’ Threat to Georgia Blueberries

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson One year ago, Ash Sial, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist, reported that chilli thrips were the most serious emerging issue impacting the state’s blueberry crop. Not much has changed in a year’s time, unfortunately. “We are really scared of chilli thrips based on what we hear from Florida and blueberry grower experiences. What we hear from Florida …

Florida Strawberry Sales Set to Hit Peak Amid Challenging Season

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Maegan Beatty Strawberry sales in Florida are expected to peak this month and will continue through March, though producer Dustin Grooms said they could be selling strawberries through May. The longer the better for growers like Grooms who have their share of difficulties to overcome this year. Hurricane Milton was a major obstacle for growers when it made landfall …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Populations Increasing

Clint ThompsonFlorida

According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whitefly pressure is worsening in two areas in southern Florida. Scouts and farmers reported low population levels of whiteflies in beans in Southwest Florida and moderate levels overall. Population levels were increasing before temperatures started to dampen and cool off. However, populations are expected to increase since warmer temperatures have returned. …

Management Options for Neopestalotiopsis in Strawberry Fields

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast strawberry growers’ first line of defense against Neopestalotiopsis is to plant clean plants. For those producers that have the disease in their fields, there are management options available, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Depending on the amount of infection you have, if it’s a relatively low level, you can …

Commissioner Simpson Launches Loan Program for Florida Farmers Impacted by Winter Storm

Clint ThompsonFlorida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced this week that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by the recent winter storm can now apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers can use loans to restore, repair or replace essential physical property — including fences, equipment, greenhouses, …

UGA Climatologist: Winter Storm Generational Event in Southeast

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Florida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The cold temperatures and historic snowfall recorded throughout the Southeast last week was a generational event, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “Clearly, we don’t get these every day and it’s probably a good thing. Some of the locations set daily records for snowfall, so for them it was unusual,” Knox said. …

UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program Has Widespread Impact

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry breeding remains an integral part of production, not only in the state, but in the country as well. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeder Patricio Munoz emphasizes the impact his program has had on varieties being produced across the country. “In the case of Florida, I believe we have …

Florida Ag Hall of Fame Banquet Tickets on Sale

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Tickets are on sale for the 45th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honor four inductees who contributed to the success and sustainability of Florida agriculture. This year’s inductees include Cary and Marcia Lightsey, Madeline Mellinger and Jim Strickland. The banquet celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders …