The Southeast continues to endure dry conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of South Florida is either abnormally dry or in a moderate drought. This is especially true for Collier County, Monroe County, Palm Beach County and Broward County. The middle portion of Florida is abnormally dry as well, especially around the Polk County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County …
What’s Next? Potential Chemical Shortage Looming for Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Some supplies are in limited quantity for growers this spring. One South Georgia farmer is concerned about a potential shortage for the rest of this year with certain chemicals. “Down the road, there looks like possibly some potential problems with supply on chemicals,” said Kent Hamilton, owner and CEO of Southern Valley in Norman Park, Georgia. “Supposedly, …
High Freight Rates Costing Producers
By Clint Thompson High freight rates and limited availability have created another challenge for Southeast vegetable producers. Neil Mazal, with East Coast Farms and Vegetables in Lake Worth, Florida, said freight rates are historically high and may contribute to a quick and unprofitable season for some growers. “We’re in South Florida. Historically, I would buy a truck out of South …
UF Strawberry Breeder: ‘Lengthening of Season Good for Industry’
By Clint Thompson A recent production trend is a positive development for Florida strawberry producers. The Sunshine State’s strawberry season is starting earlier and ending later in recent years. That’s a win for producers, said Vance Whitaker, strawberry breeder at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “There were some interesting USDA statistics that were out recently …
Protect Future Crops From Weeds During Fallow Period
By Clint Thompson It is the fallow period for much of Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. It is the time every season between June and August when it is too hot to produce any crops. But that doesn’t mean producers aren’t preparing for the upcoming fall season. The fallow times of the year allow growers to protect their future …
Snap Bean Update: Imports on the Rise
It is the peak season for snap beans in the U.S. Two Southeastern states continue to lead the country in domestic production. According to USDA Economic Research Service, the 2017 Census of Agriculture reported Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, California and Texas as the leading fresh-market snap bean states. Florida is the primary domestic supplier from November to April, with additional volume …
Florida Ag Commissioner Excited About Hemp Potential
By Clint Thompson One of the top specialty crop-producing states has added another commodity to its impressive resume. Hemp production is in its second year in Florida. There are 895 licenses issued, equating to 1,086 locations and 22,755 permitted acres in 65 of Florida’s 67 counties, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The crop’s potential …
Weekly Update: UF/IFAS Communication Key in Florida’s Watermelon Production
University of Florida/IFAS Extension agents provide producers key information in a timely fashion through the Weekly Watermelon Update. When an issue emerges – like gummy stem blight for example on May 10 – Bob Hochmuth, a regional specialized vegetable Extension agent and 11 other Extension agents in the Suwanee Valley region, activate an alert system that informs growers and managers …
Future of Fumigation: Is the End in Sight?
By Clint Thompson One of the most efficient ways to control nematodes is through fumigation. Ten years from now, that may not be the case, though, believes Johan Desaeger, UF/IFAS Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology. “I think the fumigants, although they’re still the standard, I don’t think 10 years from now there’s going to be that much fumigation left. …
Weed Control Key in Vegetable Production
By Clint Thompson Weed control remains a vital management tool for Florida vegetable and specialty crop producers. Weeds like nutsedge, ragweed and pigweed can fight for essential nutrients and water that crops need to grow and produce yields. But according to Peter Dittmar, University of Florida/IFAS Extension weed scientist, there are other reasons for producers to try to keep their …