By Clint Thompson On the surface, an oversupply of Florida tomatoes helped lead to suppressed prices for the industry. However, one industry leader stresses that supply still pales in comparison to previous seasons. “Look at what’s happened to our industry over the last one to two decades. An industry gets beaten down over a couple of decades and you have …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Latest Update for Southeast
South Florida continues to experience various levels of dry conditions, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Severe drought conditions are observed along the southwestern part of the state, in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. Moderate dry conditions are being felt in the south-central region, as far north as Hillsborough, Polk and Osceola counties and as far …
Jeb Smith Takes the Reins at Florida Farm Bureau
By Frank Giles Jeb Smith’s agricultural roots run deep in Florida. He is a fifth-generation farmer born and raised in St. Johns County. He lives on the same property his great, great grandfather farmed in Hastings, Florida. The farm was designated a Century Pioneer Family Farm by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in March of this …
Early Harvest Returns: Florida’s Blueberry Growers Off to Strong Start
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry growers are excited about the potential of this year’s harvests, which are continuing across the state. That’s the vibe being felt among producers, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “A lot of fruit has come out already, particularly in the southern part of the state. …
Improved Prices for Florida Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson The prolonged period of decreased prices for Florida tomatoes may be nearing an end. Growers should be encouraged by an uptick in prices in recent weeks. Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, describes the change in momentum that has shifted in producers’ favor. “A month ago, …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Gummy Stem Blight Concerns
Gummy stem blight disease has increased in recent weeks in cucurbit fields across southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. It has become the predominate disease in some watermelon fields in the area. The disease remains moderate in cucumber crops on the east coast. Gummy stem blight’s symptoms appear as light to dark brown circular spots …
Florida Strawberry Producer: Chilli Thrips, Spider Mites Were Major Problems
By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions led to diseases being a non-factor in Florida strawberry production this year. But two insect pests were very impactful, says one Florida farmer. “What we did have problems with were the chilli thrips. They just ate us up from day one and we never gained control of it in some blocks,” said Dustin Grooms, …
Blueberry Management: What to Remember for April
Blueberry harvests are well underway across Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts provide blueberry management tips that growers need to be mindful of in April. Since it is harvest season, farmers need to harvest their crop promptly and cool the ripe fruit. Growers can use the Blueberry Advisory System (BAS) at www.agroclimate.org/BAS, to determine if …
Whitefly Populations Vary Across Florida
Whitefly populations are high in some areas in the southern region of Florida, while low in other spots, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are increasing but are still low in tomatoes and squash in central Florida. Higher levels of adults and nymphs are reported in tomatoes, melons and squash in southwest Florida. Whitefly populations range …
Time to Sample Watermelon Plants
By Clint Thompson It is time for petiole-sap testing or leaf tissue analysis for watermelon producers in North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the testing service that UF/IFAS Extension provides to growers. “We collectively provide a service of going out and running petiole …