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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt was observed last week in North Florida watermelon fields. Weather conditions were ripe for development, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Most of the fields are not far enough long to start showing it yet. However, in some of those …
By Frank Giles The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law in 2011. It was the biggest overhaul of food-safety regulations in the United States in more than 70 years. Since FSMA was passed, there has been a steady list of regulations related to it over the years. In 2024, the latest regulation was announced with the final …
By Frank Giles Specialty crop growers have a great story to tell and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to offer consumers. From roadside stands to popular retail outlets, there’s many ways to market and sell produce. Most states provide growers with an opportunity to join their special marketing programs. This year, Specialty Crop Grower will be featuring these …
Members of the highbush blueberry industry are seeking nominees to fill U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) state member and alternate positions for the 2026 to 2028 term. The nomination period is now open. Eight USHBC state member and alternate seats need to be filled for the term of office beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Eligible producer nominees are those who produced …
By Clint Thompson A common theme so far this spring for North Florida watermelon producers has been damage to plants from wind and sandblasting. It might force some growers to consider their replanting options, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “If you keep on getting sandblasted, the first thing that happens is those outer …
Whitefly populations are low in some areas across southern Florida and high in others, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Reports show low levels of whiteflies in tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. Moderate levels are reported in watermelon and bean fields. Scouts are reporting low population levels of whitefly in tomatoes along the …
By Clint Thompson Machine harvesters are a necessity for Florida’s blueberry industry to remain viable heading into the future. Considering the input expenses that accompany blueberry production in the Sunshine State, growers need to reduce their labor needs and rely more on automated harvesters. Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries, manages another …
As we head into the heart of Florida blueberry harvest season, which generally lasts from March through May, growers are shipping the fruit to market to meet statewide and national consumer demand. You can find Florida-grown berries in stores, farmer’s markets and U-picks from the Panhandle through South Florida. Along with vitamin C, manganese and fiber, the fruit is known …
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) continues to spout the benefits of rye as a windbreak in watermelon fields in the Suwanee Valley. Their value has been undisputable this year, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. He noted in a recent email to Florida growers that rye can protect …
By Frank Giles Plastic mulch provides growers numerous benefits in establishing beds to grow crops. Some of those benefits include improved pest and weed management, water conservation and better yield and crop quality. But what do you do with the mulch after growing the crop? It creates an expense for growers to deploy labor to remove the plastic from the …
