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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is highlighting the Florida Farm Bill and its proposal to protect Florida’s farmers and hunters from drone harassment. The proposal will prohibit the drones on designated agricultural lands designated without the property owner’s approval and will prohibit drones on or near private property, state-hunting lands, or shooting ranges with the intent …
Last fall, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) held an essay writing contest to support its Farm-to-School program. The program’s goal is to link Florida farmers with school districts to provide locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. The essay contest sought to engage the students who benefit from the program. More than 240 students submitted an essay. …
By Clint Thompson Most North Florida watermelon growers are on the cusp of another planting season. While some acres across the region are planted in late February, most are planted, beginning in March, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think the majority of our …
The cover story of the March issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights whiteflies and how they can devastate vegetables with the viruses they transmit. Weather can contribute to the severity of whitefly infestations. In 2016 and 2017, weather conditions were hot and dry which led to whitefly populations spiraling out of control. Multiple university researchers talked about the pest …
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins
By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) berry farmers should be mindful of thrips. Not normally a problem for growers in North Carolina in past years, thrips have been gaining traction as a concerning pest recently, says Lorena Lopez, N.C. State assistant Extension professor of entomology and plant pathology. “Western flower thrips are the major thrips species that we have infesting …
By Clint Thompson The 2025 Georgia State Legislative Session continues to highlight areas of concern for Georgia’s specialty crop industry. One bill centers on labor. House Bill 82, also known as the Georgia Guest Worker Act, was the focus of a recent hearing for the House Industry and Labor Committee. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley discussed the bill …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released key findings from a vegetable survey it conducted with growers in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Florida tomato production in 2024 totaled 638 million pounds, a decrease of 27% from 2023. The value of utilized production for tomatoes was $331 million, down 32% from last year. Sweet corn …
Thrips populations are increasing across multiple areas in southern Florida. This is according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts reported moderate levels of chili thrips and low levels of flower thrips in strawberry fields in central Florida. Population levels are increasing in Southwest Florida. Levels have increased from low to moderate for flower thrips and melon thrips. …
By Clint Thompson Drought remains a concern for states across the Southeast, even amid recent rainfall. This is especially seen in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. According to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of South Georgia is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The driest part of the state remains in the southwest corner. Moderate drought …
