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By Clint Thompson The Department of Labor’s interim final rule revising the methodology used in Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) calculations is a win long term for specialty crop producers. In the short term, though, growers must be wary of any contracts that were already in place preceding the new rule. That’s the message that Chris Butts, executive director of …
Freeze tolerance is a focal point of citrus studies conducted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. As citrus production continues to grow in the cold-hardy citrus region, growers need varieties that are able to withstand prolonged periods of sub-freezing temperatures. Leading that research is Muhammad Shahid, …
By Frank Giles In September, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) hosted its annual conference in Orlando. Specialty crop growers gathered for three days of engagement and education. One of the forums held during the conference was a panel discussion on the new Trump administration and trade. Participants included Lauren Reamy, Penn Avenue Partners; Carolyn Gleason, McDermott Will & …
Florida avocados, a signature staple in kitchens, a favored fruit tree in landscapes and a source of pride for the state’s growers, face a renewed threat from avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd). The disease can severely stunt avocado tree growth, deform fruit and silently spread through groves. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are …
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ newly released ‘Ember’ strawberry variety will be widely grown in South Florida’s strawberry region. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, plans to grow half of his crop this year with the ‘Ember’ variety. It has numerous attributes that make it a valuable …
By Clint Thompson Pumpkin season is nearing its end for North Georgia producer Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms. It’s been a strong season for growers like Echols. “Everything this year has been super, really good. We had a three-week really hot spell this summer, and it was kind of inopportune as far as, pumpkins don’t like hot weather when …
By Frank Giles In agricultural circles, we often lament about “preaching to the choir.” We have a lot of issues, but a relatively small universe of peers to air our opinions about the problem and possible solutions. It’s not easy breaking through to influence the non-agricultural world, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. Preachers to the choir are not …
By Clint Thompson The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor reflects worsening drought conditions across Alabama, Georgia and Florida. The driest conditions in Alabama are in the western part of the state. Extreme conditions are seen in Marengo, Dallas, Perry, Hale, Greene, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Bibb counties. Severe conditions are seen in other areas of those counties as …
By Clint Thompson Florida Farmer of the Year Jim Alderman was humbled and thrilled to represent Florida at this year’s Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year luncheon on Tuesday in Moultrie, Georgia. While Alderman did not win the award – it was presented to Georgia farmer Kent Hamilton – he expressed gratitude for being able to represent Florida …
By Clint Thompson South Georgia vegetable farmer Kent Hamilton was named the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year at the annual luncheon on Tuesday, the first day of the three-day Expo event in Moultrie, Georgia. Hamilton, chief executive officer of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc. in Norman Park, highlighted the attributes that have helped him succeed over …
