Don’t Forget! Registration Still Open for Florida Ag Expo Event

Web AdminEvents, Florida, Florida Ag Expo

By Clint Thompson AgNet Media reminds those interested in attending this year’s Florida Ag Expo that registration is still ongoing for the event, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media provides more information for those thinking about attending the event at the University of Florida Institute of Food and …

UF/IFAS Using AI to Apply Herbicides More Efficiently

Web AdminFlorida, Research, Technology

By Clint Thompson One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher is using artificial intelligence (AI) to apply herbicides more efficiently. Nathan Boyd’s research will help growers to not make chemical applications where they are not needed. “We use artificial intelligence that we’ve trained to differentiate. You could train it to differentiate species. We’ve decided that’s …

FFVA Names Legislators of the Year

Web AdminAwards, Florida

The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) named Florida Senator Jay Collins and Florida Representative Kaylee Tuck as its Legislators of the year for 2023. The two were recognized at the FFVA’s 79th annual convention in Naples on Sept. 25-27. The FFVA presents the awards to elected officials who have worked to promote public policies that advance and protect Florida …

Producer Panel Discussion Part of Upcoming Florida Blueberry Conference

Web AdminBlueberries, Events, Florida

By Clint Thompson Labor remains a contentious issue for specialty crop producers in the Southeast. It will be highlighted during the upcoming Florida Blueberry Growers Association Conference and Trade Show. “It’s a topic with some really high interest among growers,” said Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. It has been widely …

Whitefly Populations Vary in South Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Whitefly populations vary in areas across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Watermelon fields in central Florida are experiencing low to moderate numbers. Moderate levels were also reported in squash. In tomato, reports indicate whiteflies are at three or less per plants, while others showed populations increasing to high levels over the previous week. Populations …

2024 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees

Web AdminFlorida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced on Tuesday that Eugene McAvoy, John Hoblick, and John Schlechter as the 2024 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees. The induction ceremony will be held at the Florida State Fair’s Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet on February 13, 2024. “Today, I am proud …

‘Great’ Planting Conditions for Florida Strawberry Growers

Web AdminFlorida, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Strawberry planting has commenced across southern Florida. Growers have been met with ideal conditions so far, according to one producer. “It’s been great. We’ve had overcast days. It’s great planting weather over here,” said Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida. “We’ve had some misty rains early on, a little bit of rain …

Always Seeking Alternatives

Web AdminFlorida, Specialty Crops

By Frank Giles Farmers, by nature, are industrious and curious about finding new ways to become more efficient and profitable. That includes finding the next big crop that could diversify the farm and spread risk. In Florida, the desire to find alternative crops has intensified as citrus acreage has declined in recent years. Often, these crops face obstacles like lack …

UF/IFAS MREC Looks for Growth Under New Leadership

Web AdminFlorida, Research

By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) has a new director, and it is a win for Florida’s ornamental horticulture industry. Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS, talked about the appointment of Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski, previously the associate center director at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education …