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By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill Mike Joyner is an optimistic ag leader as president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). But his optimism is tested when discussing reform in the H-2A program. “I will tell you this has got an uphill battle. It hurts for me to say that. It’s painful for me to say it out …
By Tacy Callies, Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo provided vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. After a brief stint in Tampa, the annual event returned home to Fort Myers, Florida, its original location. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, convened Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention …
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions are worsening along the Gulf in South Alabama. Some areas are experiencing it worse than others. It largely depends on the soil type which varies in the area, says Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama. “I’ve got some guys that have some more clay soils and they’re kind of okay. As long as …
After a summer of troubling headlines, the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history has been declared over by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There were nearly 13,000 reported Cyclospora cases in the multistate outbreak. CDC announced on Sept. 11 that the agency was confident any affected produce was now off the market and had moved through the …
By Clint Thompson Diesel prices have hit a new all-time high which makes it a new low for fruit and vegetable farmers. The national average price of a gallon of diesel surpassed $6 for the first time, a sobering statistic for producers already coping with high input costs. According to AAA, diesel costs on Friday in Alabama were recorded at …
By Clint Thompson The lingering dry conditions being experienced across some areas in Georgia and Alabama means insect pressure is high in pecan orchards. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed what insects are most problematic for Southeast growers in an interview with AgNet Media. “Black aphids have been horrible over the last month, I would say, and …
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions continue to worsen across parts of the Southeast, as pop-up thunderstorms have only impacted certain areas of Florida, Georgia and Alabama. This is according to the Sept. 10 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama It wasn’t that long ago that most of Alabama was drought free and had sufficient moisture. That is in the …
By Clint Thompson One Alabama farmer has cultivated a niche farming practice with his hydroponics operation. Hydroponics is a farming practice where a producer grows plants using a water-based mineral nutrient solution instead of traditional soil. It’s a process that Ralf Du Toit has made sustainable since 2012 with Extreme Greens Farm in Auburn, Alabama. While the main focus is …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill The lack of farm bill progression is enough to dampen the optimism that industry experts might have that one gets passed this year. But according to Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner, he believes the eagerness to get a farm bill passed will be enough to push it over the finish …
The Last Word: By Lena Juarez Every farm has a story to tell. Behind every field of blueberries, grove of citrus, vegetable operation or tropical fruit orchard are families whose hard work, resilience and passion have shaped Florida agriculture for generations. Today, more than ever, consumers want to hear those stories. They want to know where their food comes from, …
