By Clint Thompson The H-2A temporary agricultural workers program is a “old and outdated system.” Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner argues it is a “broken” system in need of immediate repair. “I think first and foremost we struggle to get any domestic workers to work on the farm. We rely so heavily on the H-2A program. …
Nematode Management in Florida Hops
By Clint Thompson Like other specialty crops grown throughout Florida, hops are not immune to nematode damage. However, they may be able to tolerate them better than others, says Johan Desaeger, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida (UF) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “One thing that we noticed with hops, and I think that’s …
Industry Leader: Truck Driver Shortage Not Surprising
ATA Anticipates 1.1 Million Truckers Needed Over Next 10 Years By Clint Thompson The truck driver shortage in the U.S. that is disrupting vegetable and specialty crop operations and causing increased freight costs is not a surprise to one industry leader. It just came to light during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tra Williams, owner and president of FleetForce Truck Driving …
Smart Spray Technology for Weed Control in Row Middles
By Nathan Boyd and Arnold Schumann Would you be willing to reduce herbicide inputs if it did not negatively impact your bottom line, required no additional labor, and weeds were still adequately controlled? For most growers, the answer would automatically be yes if it was possible. How the Technology Works University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) …
Syngenta’s Kathy Eichlin, Robin Thomas Receive Honorary American FFA Degrees
Syngenta leaders recognized for exceptional service to agriculture GREENSBORO, N.C. – The National FFA Organization (FFA) awarded Kathy Eichlin, head of Internal Communications for Syngenta Crop Protection in North America, and Robin Thomas, Early Talent Acquisition manager for Syngenta in North America, Honorary American FFA Degrees at the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo on Oct. 29 in Indianapolis, Indiana. …
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Details Strategic Plan Empowering Industry
FOLSOM, Calif. —The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) announced last week details around its recently approved 2021-2025 strategic plan, which charts an ambitious course to exponentially grow the volume and value of blueberries domestically and across the globe. The comprehensive plan explains how USHBC will lead demand-driving programs based on shared resources, research and insights that inspire possibilities and sustain …
Up Close and Personal: UF/IFAS Research Highlights Florida Ag Expo
By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo is less than three weeks away for interested vegetable and specialty crop growers. While most agricultural events are held away from research farms, the allure of the Florida Ag Expo is that it is held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center …
Excitement Builds Toward Upcoming S.E. Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
By Clint Thompson The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is two months away for those in Georgia, Florida and Alabama interested in attending. After last year’s conference was held virtually due to COVID-19, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is excited about the show’s return in Savannah, Georgia on Jan. 6-9, 2022, says Charles Hall, GFVGA executive …
Hemp Applications: Alabama Extension Says Growers Fill Out Soon as Possible
By Clint Thompson The sooner the better for Alabama producers wishing to fill out a hemp grower application for the 2022 season. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, talks about why farmers should not delay in getting their applications done as soon as possible. “The earlier you get it in, the earlier the Department of Ag can …
Farm Bill Planning: Natural Disasters, Mechanization Part of FFB Agenda
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about the upcoming Farm Bill if you are a vegetable or specialty crop producer. John Walt Boatright, director of National Affairs at Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF), describes the process and the necessary steps in preparing for a Farm Bill still two years away. “It’s a process that requires …