Instead of taking what the broker or retailer feels like paying, small- and medium-sized farmers who sell directly to consumers should track costs, determine what they want to earn and set their own produce prices, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts say. Growers should base their prices on their costs, said Kim Morgan, a UF/IFAS …
Dragon Fruit Workshop Spurs Excitement, Collaboration for Robust Industry in Florida
Dragon fruit is a heart-healthy superfood, low in calories and fueled with plenty of fiber and antioxidants – and it’s in high demand among consumers worldwide. An increasing number of consumers are growing this fruiting cactus vine in their home gardens and are finding new ways to include it as a key ingredient to main dishes, in desserts and drinks. …
Impact of Hurricane Debby on North Florida Citrus
By Clint Thompson High wind speeds were prevalent when Hurricane Debby passed through the North Florida region last week. Perry, Florida, received the brunt of those winds. According to Lisa Strange, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent in Taylor County, wind speeds were recorded at 80 miles per hour. It led to some citrus trees …
Blueberry Cultivars: UF/IFAS Breeder Discusses New Releases
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producers will soon have a couple of new cultivar options to consider for future seasons. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeder Patricio Munoz confirmed that two new cultivars will soon be available. These include “Falcon” or FL17-141 and FL19-006. He highlighted Falcon first. “It’s very high yield and highly …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Technology Making Irrigation Smarter
By Frank Giles Technology applications in agriculture have blossomed in recent years. In irrigation, moisture sensors, weather stations and system control software are making applications much more efficient and well timed. From Citrus to Sweet Corn Several smartphone applications have been developed that can allow specialty crop growers to up their irrigation game. The University of Florida Institute of Food …
Florida Tomato Associations Hire Robert Guenther
Maitland, Fla. –The trade associations that support Florida’s tomato growers, packers, and shippers have hired Robert Guenther to be their next leader. These associations include the Florida Tomato Exchange, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange and the Florida Tomato Committee. Guenther will serve as the executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange and Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, in addition to being …
Ag Commissioner Simpson Announces Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Debby will be able to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans beginning this week through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential …
What’s Next? Florida Blueberry Farmer Concerned About Future Tropical Systems Following Hurricane Debby
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Debby was bad enough for Florida’s specialty crop producers, especially with its excessive rains. One blueberry grower is concerned about what may follow, as some of his blueberry bushes remain under water. “The problem you get with these things is what happens next week? They’re showing more tropical activity. They’re saying over the next couple of …
Debby Aftermath: Florida Strawberry Producer Discusses Excessive Rains This Week
By Clint Thompson When Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida earlier this week, it dumped excessive amounts of rainfall. One strawberry producer experienced the torrential downpours in Plant City, Florida. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, highlighted how devastating the rains were on Monday and the impact he’s experiencing as he readies for the upcoming …
Survey Says: Florida Ag Sector Asked to Share Impacts from Hurricane Debby
Florida specialty crop producers impacted by Hurricane Debby are asked to complete a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program survey on agricultural losses and damages. UF/IFAS will use the survey in its on-going research to track effects of severe weather on the state’s agricultural industry. Participants will be asked to assess their …



















