The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is Monday, April 27, 5 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and …
Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertility Rate Strategies to Reduce Leaching
By Ashley Robinson Excessive nutrients in waterbodies, such as nitrate-nitrogen (N), have been one of the major issues in unconfined regions underneath the Upper Florida aquifer. This can be attributed to farmers applying excessive N fertilizer with the hope of obtaining higher yields. Therefore, the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as proper irrigation and N management is required …
UF/IFAS Hemp Program On-Farm Trial Partner Application Due Today
Zack Brym/University of Florida The University of Florida/IFAS Hemp Program is seeking qualified partners across the state to permit 20 farms for on-farm trials. The application link has been extended with late submissions due tonight by 11:59 p.m. Partner farms will conduct a coordinated field planting on two acres with variations in land preparation. Partners will also have the opportunity …
N.C. State Economist: Second Quarter Should Be Horrible Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
By Clint Thompson The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to the U.S. economy and especially the American farmer. North Carolina State Extension Economist Mike Walden believes the country needs to do what it can to help those farmers rebound from the current recession. “We do need to worry about keeping our farmers afloat. Fortunately, in the stimulus …
Fried: Florida Farm to You Initiative a Tremendous Hit
By Clint Thompson The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is connecting the state’s farmers with local consumers. The results so far have been tremendous, according to Nikki Fried, Florida Ag Commissioner. Fried highlighted the Florida Farm to You initiative that is designed to aid farmers, who are struggling to sell produce and other commodities during the ongoing …
Drought Still a Problem for Florida
By Clint Thompson Even with much-needed rainfall this week and more expected this weekend, Florida remains in a drought; severe in some cases. The southern portions of the state and along the peninsula will remain drier than normal for the foreseeable future, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension state climatologist, . “I’ve been watching the drought in …
USDA Approves Florida’s State Hemp Program
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture formally approved Florida’s state hemp program, clearing the way for Florida growers to begin cultivating hemp later this month. Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried, who will oversee Florida’s state hemp program through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), offered the following statement: “After months of incorporating feedback from …
Managing Nematodes in Potatoes
By Ashley Robinson There are a variety of nematodes that damage Florida potatoes. These plant-parasitic nematodes are small, microscopic roundworms that feed on plant tissue, causing severe damage to growers’ crops. To combat nematode populations, researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have been testing new nematicide products. ONGOING FIELD TRIALS Nematicide application is …
UF Surveys to Identify Impact of Pandemic on Florida’s Agriculture Industry
By Kirsten Romaguera, kromaguera@ufl.edu GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With agriculture and marine industries occupying a large portion of Florida’s economy, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) wants to better understand how measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 are impacting these sectors. Starting today, faculty from the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics (FRE) department are deploying …
UF/IFAS Extension Agent Emeritus Defends Florida Farmers
By Clint Thompson Already a difficult production season for Florida’s fruit and vegetable producers, some are unjustly being criticized for trying to manipulate the market and get government handouts, says Gene McAvoy, UF/IFAS Extension agent emeritus. He defended growers and their farming operations amid scrutiny about criticism for not being more gracious with their crop. “It is a very complex …