By Clint Thompson The current dry period persisting through Florida is impacting harvest season for the state’s blueberry producers. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, believes extended periods of dry weather has had positive and negative impacts on growers attempting to harvest this year’s crop. “It’s good news in that you …
In the Field: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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. Statewide Tom Bilbo – Extension Vegetable Entomologist Coastal Region Rob Last Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Bruce McLean
Farmer Testimony: There’s No Future in Farming
By Clint Thompson Farming is more than just a specialty crop producer’s occupation; it’s a way of life. That is why growers become emotional when discussing their livelihood that is threatened by surging input costs, unfair trade practices and costly labor alternatives. Michael Hill is one of those farmers that’s been challenged by the current agricultural landscape. He discussed the …
Vegetable Seminars Added to Citrus Show
By Clint Thompson A new feature of the Florida Grower Citrus Show was a win for growers and leaders of the region’s vegetable crop industry. The annual event in Fort Pierce no longer focuses solely on Florida citrus production. The addition of vegetable-based seminars catered to specialty crop producers during the April 13 event. Judging by the attendance, the audience …
UF/IFAS Researchers Find Tomato Plants Resistant to Devastating Disease
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers may have found the key to developing tomatoes that can resist a devastating disease. Although it has been around for 50 years, target spot of tomato has become increasingly problematic during the last few years. The disease causes lesions in both leaves and fruits. It is commonly found in …
North Florida Watermelon Harvests Should Begin Shortly
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are still on track to take advantage of an early harvest window thanks to early plantings this year. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said harvests should commence within the next couple of weeks. “In talking with the growers, they …
Federal Legislation Aims to Conserve Florida Citrus Land
Due to hurricanes, citrus greening and unfair trade pressures, Florida’s citrus growers are increasingly left with little choice but to sell their land to developers, said U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. Because of that, he introduced the Conservation Reserve Program Amendments Act to establish a subprogram under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to conserve citrus agricultural land. The legislation seeks to address …
Florida Grower Citrus Show Delves into Global Nutrient Markets
By Frank Giles April was a busy month for the AgNet Media team. On top of our normal duties, we also hosted the Florida Grower Citrus Show in Fort Pierce. This was after much thoughtful deliberation and planning that included changing the format of the event. Since this was the first time hosting the show since it was acquired last …
North Florida Watermelon Harvests Should Begin Within Two Weeks
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are still on track to take advantage of an early harvest window thanks to early plantings this year. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said harvests should commence within the next couple of weeks. “In talking with the growers, …
Got You Covered: Desaeger Continues to Tout Cover Crops to Manage Nematodes
By Clint Thompson Cover crops remain an under-utilized but effective management option for specialty crop growers managing nematodes. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, touted the practice at the Florida Grower Citrus Show. “If you have the time to put in …