A new algorithm is set to further bolster the credibility of the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), a system that farmers count on for such data as temperature, humidity, wind and rain. Among other improvements, the technology will send an email to FAWN technicians, letting them know when readings are out of a normal range, said Rick Lusher, director of …
Set the Record Straight: Tomato Suspension Agreement Not Florida vs. Mexico
MAITLAND, FL – June 27, 2023: On June 16, the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) filed a request with the Department of Commerce to terminate the Tomato Suspension Agreement. This request was based on established facts and U.S. antidumping law. Days later, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), a trade group that represents importers of Mexican produce, issued a press release …
FFVA Supports Farmers First Act of 2023
By Clint Thompson Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) Chairman David Hill is expressing support of the Farmers First Act of 2023. He penned a letter to U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) in support of the proposed bipartisan legislation that addresses the mental health crisis in rural America and expands access to mental health support and …
Monthly Blueberry Updates Help ‘Remind’ Florida Growers
By Clint Thompson The monthly blueberry updates administered by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) serves as a reminder for Florida growers of what needs to be done from a management standpoint. Even following the recent harvest, producers have important tasks to complete if they want to have another productive season the following year. Doug Phillips, …
Blueprint for Success? North Florida Melon Growers Capitalize on Early Planting Window
By Clint Thompson North Florida’s blueprint for success with regards to watermelon production may have been laid out this year. Growers started earlier, overcame a pair of freeze events and capitalized on the early market. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, believes that will be the …
After Harvest Season: Crop Termination in Watermelon Could Help with Fusarium Wilt
By Clint Thompson What is the value of North Florida watermelon growers terminating their crop chemically when harvesting is done for the season? It could prevent further buildup of a specific pathogen, nematodes or even whitefly-vectored viruses. Producers in the Suwanee Valley Region should consider the practice, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) …
Florida Budget’s Impact on Agriculture
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a historic $116.5 billion budget last week for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Included were important victories for the agricultural industry, especially those in the specialty crop sector. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) sent an email to its members last week, outlying the impact from the budget on the state’s agricultural sector. The University …
Still Not Done: North Florida Watermelon Harvests About 85% Complete
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are close to being done harvesting this year’s crop. A small percentage remained this week, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “We’re winding down, but there’s still a number of fields that are later planted. I’m going to …
Mark Your Calendar: Florida Ag Labor Relations Forum to be held in September
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) encourages specialty crop farmers and industry leaders to mark their calendars for the 49th annual Agricultural Labor Relations Forum. The Florida Specialty Crop Forum will present the three-day event on Sept. 6-8 at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. Every year the forum educates agricultural employers, which includes producers, shippers, farm labor …
Reps. Cammack, Moore, Others Introduce Bill to Include Phosphate & Potash as Critical Minerals
Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL-02), Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07), and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) introduced a bill to include phosphate and potash on the final list of critical minerals of the Department of the Interior. “A nation that cannot feed itself is not secure. Without the necessary inputs to feed, clothe and fuel our nation, we’re leaving …