According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, thrips populations vary across the state. Chilli thrips are present in pepper crops in central Florida, mostly in low to moderate numbers. But they are higher in other locations. Florida flower thrips, western flower thrips and melon thrips have been observed in low numbers. Asian bean thrips have been reported on …
Labor Crisis: Farmers Need to Vocalize Concerns for Reform to Occur
By Clint Thompson Southeast producers who have concerns over the proposed Farm Workforce Modernization Act are encouraged to voice their displeasure to members of Congress. It is the only way real change can be made with the current Ag labor system, says Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, …
AgNet Media Magazine Gets New Name
Beginning in January 2022, Vegetable and Specialty Crops News (VSCNews) will have a new name. The monthly trade magazine that debuted from AgNet Media four years ago will become Specialty Crop Industry. Not only is the new name more concise, but it also more accurately reflects the scope of the magazine’s content and audience. Although AgNet Media is dropping the …
UF Faculty Part of National Team Awarded $7.5 Million USDA-NIFA Grant
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – A University of Florida plant pathologist is part of a national team studying ambrosia beetles in fruit trees and woody ornamental crops, thanks to a $7.5 million federal grant. University of Florida (UF) plant pathologist Romina Gazis, who studies fungal-associated diseases affecting many types of tropical and subtropical crops, and her colleagues received a grant from the …
Industry Expert: Supply Chain Issues Could Linger into 2023
By Clint Thompson One industry expert fears the current supply chain shortage and spike in input costs could linger well into the 2022 season and beyond. Sam Taylor, executive director for Rabobank, a financial services company, encourages producers to plan ahead to avoid potentially not having certain inputs next season. “My fear is that (costs) could continue to increase. You …
UF Researcher: Cover Crops Replenish Soil
By Clint Thompson Johan Desaeger, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, believes in cover crops so much he quotes the United States’ first president in making his argument. “We’ve got to take care of our soils. George Washington, he was a farmer, …
Sneak Peek: December 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Clint Thompson The December issue of VSCNews Magazine highlights the Florida Ag Expo, which was held on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Various topics like artificial intelligence, best management practices, disease and pest management tips, field tours and a trade show …
Florida, Georgia Remain Top Users of H-2A Program
Florida and Georgia remained the top two users of the H-2A program, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, as of Sept. 30, 2021. For the fiscal year (FY) 2021, the number of certified positions for Florida numbered 44,706, or 14.1% of the total certified in FY 2021. Georgia was second with 35,205 positions or 11.1%. The other top states …
Current Dry Conditions for Parts of SE a Concern During La Nina Winter
By Clint Thompson The current dry conditions felt in some areas across the Southeast could be a prelude to a long dry winter for vegetable and specialty crop farmers. That would not be good news for next growing season, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “What it does mean is that we have to start thinking about …
Federal Funding: UF Citrus Faculty Secure Resources in Fight Against Citrus Greening
LAKE ALFRED, Fla — Three USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program grants totaling more than $2.2 million will help University of Florida citrus researchers in their fight against citrus greening disease. In addition, UF/IFAS researchers are serving in leadership roles in two other multi-million-dollar grants awarded to other research institutions across …