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By Frank Giles Last year, AgNet Media took over hosting responsibilities for the Florida Citrus Show in Fort Pierce. With that change, the event moved to the neighboring facilities of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service U.S. Horticultural Research …
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued a statement following the release of two separate farm bill frameworks by the chairs of the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committees. “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commends House Agriculture Committee Chairman (Glenn) Thompson and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman (Debbie) Stabenow for their work in moving the 2024 …
By Maegan Beatty In mid-April, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted the 9th annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. The conference examines critical policy issues facing agribusiness leaders and provides economic insights. Participants heard from policymakers, key stakeholders and expert researchers on the farm …
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt disease is once again rearing its ugly head in Florida watermelons this year, according to one University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher. Nick Dufault, a plant pathologist with the UF/IFAS, noted in a blog that while little can be done now to manage the disease, it is still vital for …
By Clint Thompson Colorado State University’s forecast of 23 named storms and 11 hurricanes for this tropical season are significantly more than the average from the previous 30 years. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, noted in her UGA Climate and Agriculture Blog that the average number of storms from 1991-2020 was 14.4 and hurricanes were 7.2. …
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition helps growers protect bees and other wildlife. To learn more about pesticide safety for pollinators, we’re talking with Todd Hanson, Bayer Product Manager for corn seed treatments. About Growing Matters BeSure! Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. …
The legislative budget for Georgia includes funding vital to helping protect the state’s farming commodities, including specialty crops, from nuisances like feral hogs and deer. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), addressed both following a GFVGA webinar that highlighted the most recent legislative session. “It can be devastating if you go and plant …
By Clint Thompson Rindworm activity has yet to be reported in North Florida’s watermelon crop. But increased feedings are expected in the upcoming weeks, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Hochmuth reported in his weekly email on Sunday that growers should continue to scout for …
By Clint Thompson What a difference a year makes for Alabama peach producer Jackson Reeves. Last year’s crop was decimated by two spring freeze events. “Last year we didn’t have our early peaches and we didn’t have our late peaches. We still had some of our peaches right in the middle of July, but we didn’t have a full crop,” …
Blackberries are already known for their health benefits, and someday, they might provide even more antioxidants than the ones you buy now, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers. UF/IFAS scientists are trying to breed and grow blackberries, which ripen in April, May and June in the Sunshine State. In a new study, scientists found …
