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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
A new University of Florida (UF)-developed web-based tool will help growers reduce risks that come with climate variability. It is called the “climate indicators tool,” the newest addition to AgroClimate, a web-based platform designed 15 years ago by Clyde Fraisse, a UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) professor of agricultural and biological engineering. Growers can use the new …
By Clint Thompson Watermelon plants are in the ground throughout North Florida. Growers are now tasked with ensuring their plants are protected and cared for over the next couple of months. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, provides some management tips for producers. “We want to …
Whitefly infestations are increasing across vegetable fields in central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Multiple scouts reported low but increasing numbers of whiteflies on tomatoes in the central Florida area. Older squash plantings have been hit hard by the insects, as reports indicate moderate to high populations. Younger squash plants have low populations. …
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn volume should ramp up during the first couple of weeks of April. The increased production will be much needed for growers who experienced a sluggish start to the season, mostly due to excessive rainfall. “We had a little bit of a slower start this year. There were some rain skips in the fall and …
This year’s Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference will examine critical policy issues facing agribusiness leaders and provide valuable economic insights to help stakeholders make informed business and policy decisions. The conference returns to the University of Florida (UF) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center on April 17, where it was held last year. Those interested in attending can register here …
By Clint Thompson Labor expenses are a costly input for Florida tomato producers and serve as a significant reason the industry is emphasizing research into automated harvesters. Opinions vary on whether that dream ultimately becomes a reality, though University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown insists there are alternative ways for growers to …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers have the majority of this year’s crop in the ground … and there is a lot of it following a substantial increase in acres. “I think the consensus is there is an increase in acreage in this vicinity. Exactly how much? It seems like it’s 10% more,” said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida …
By Clint Thompson Those specialty crop and citrus producers interested in attending this year’s Florida Citrus Show are reminded that registration is ongoing for the event, scheduled for April 3 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media, highlights how potential attendees can register for the event. “Registration is open now. You can click here or go …
Florida blueberry producers should be wary that spotted wing drosophila (SWD) has been spotted on multiple farms in central Florida, which is earlier than normal compared to previous years. The Florida Blueberry Growers Association issued an alert to its members on Monday, including recommendations from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension personnel that producers scout for …
By Clint Thompson Weather challenged Florida blueberry production this year. It continues to disrupt harvest plans for growers who have already started picking this year’s crop. “It’s been a roller coaster of warm and then cold; warm and then cold. By the time it gets going, it gets shut down,” said Gary Smith, producer located in Winter Haven, Florida, who …
