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By Clint Thompson Florida’s tomato season was challenged from the start. But considering growers were able to weather two hurricanes, they churned out a solid crop, said Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. “We really had a horrible start to the season with two hurricanes coming through Florida. That really put us back. I would say …
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease has been problematic in some Georgia strawberry farms this year. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, was not immune to the disease’s impact in North Georgia. However, he has a better outlook on this year’s crop compared to earlier in the season. “I’ve got too many gaps in the field. But the …
Thrips population levels range from low to high across fields in southern Florida. This is according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts in central Florida are reporting low to moderate population levels in tomatoes and cucurbits. In southwest Florida, scouts indicate levels varying between crops from low to high. Thrips are increasing in pepper and watermelon and …
By Clint Thompson The groundbreaking for the University of Georgia (UGA) Grand Farm was held on Friday in Perry, Georgia. Located adjacent to the Perry Fairgrounds, the 250-acre research site will serve as a breeding ground for ag innovation. Ag research, representing row crop commodities to specialty crops, and companies from across the world, will help put Georgia on the …
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will host a Stone Fruit Field Day on May 7 in Citra, Florida. It will highlight innovations in peach production and provide a tour of the research orchard. Attendees will learn about Florida’s first high-density peach orchard experiment that was planted three years ago and is now ready for …
(Washington, D.C.) In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has rolled out a five point plan to lower the cost of eggs, worked to expand market access for American farmers and empowered rural communities. “As President Donald J. Trump ushers in a new golden age of prosperity for our economy, we are …
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature for passing the Florida Farm Bill (SB 700), the most comprehensive agriculture-focused legislation in the state’s history. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representatives Kaylee Tuck and Danny Alvarez, the legislation was passed with strong support from both chambers, delivering sweeping reforms that protect farmland from development, invest in agricultural …
By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry spell is not unexpected for Florida’s farmers this time of year. It does present ideal weather conditions for the state’s blueberries to be harvested. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Blueberry Extension Coordinator, discussed the current harvest season. “It’s good picking weather, because you definitely want the berries …
By Clint Thompson The sooner that watermelons in the Suwanee Valley can be harvested and marketed this year the better for North Florida producers. That time frame looks to be around mid-May, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. If the current hot and dry weather …
By Clint Thompson Peach harvest season is just a few weeks away for Southeast growers. But before producers start picking this year’s crop, they need to be managing this season’s insect pests. Two come to mind, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Now that we are really in the …
