By Clint Thompson Timing can make the difference in the success of a specialty crop. In the case of Florida blueberries, it likely has helped the crop survive one of the coldest freeze events in recent memory. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, explains how the lack of blooms in Florida’s …
State of Alabama Hemp Production
By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp meetings begin next week across the state. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, talked about the state of the industry. “We’re in the process of the medical marijuana license application period. I think that’s going to change the landscape a little bit. A lot of hemp growers got into it to learn …
Christmas Freeze ‘Not Much of an Impact’ on Florida Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Timing can make the difference in the success of a specialty crop. In the case of Florida blueberries, it likely has helped the crop survive one of the coldest freeze events in recent memory. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, explains how the lack of blooms in Florida’s …
Georgia Pecan Production Meetings Scheduled
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers can mark their calendars for the upcoming county production meetings scheduled over the next couple of months. The scheduled meetings include stops in Appling County (Jan. 31), Grady County (Feb. 1), Toombs, Treutlen and Montgomery counties (Feb. 7), Tattnall County (Feb. 13), Colquitt County (Feb. 16), Cook County (March 1), Irwin County (breakfast meeting …
Strawberry Grower Rolls Dice, Opts Not to Apply Water During Christmas Freeze
By Clint Thompson One Florida strawberry producer rolled the dice and did not apply water during the Christmas freeze event. Dustin Grooms should soon have an idea soon whether that gamble paid off. “We sat there and watched the thermometer, and the wind was blowing. We’re feeling leaves, looking at blooms, doing all of this stuff all night long, waiting …
APHIS Prohibiting Fresh Bell Pepper Imports from Spain into U.S.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is prohibiting the importation of fresh bell peppers for consumption from Spain into the U.S. effective Dec. 29, 2022. The decision was made to prevent the introduction of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata, Medfly). APHIS is also prohibiting overland in-bond transit movements of these materials south of 39° latitude and west …
An Advocate for All Growers
By Clint Thompson Karla Thompson is a lawyer by training and farmer by marriage. That combination makes her one of the Southeast’s leading advocates for growers. “I think with advocacy work it really helps because I understand the misperceptions and ideas that people have about the ag industry because I had them myself,” Thompson says. “Before I got involved in …
Citrus Pest Management Workshop Scheduled
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will hold a workshop on citrus insect, mite and nematode management Jan. 19 at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presentations will be made by UF/IFAS faculty members. UF/IFAS pointed out that pest management in citrus …
Wilton Simpson: Florida’s New Agriculture Commissioner Issues Statement
JANUARY 4, 2023 Wilton Simpson was sworn in as Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture this week. He issued the following statement: “I am deeply appreciative of the privilege and responsibility of serving as Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture and leading the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Florida’s agriculture and related industries are the quiet, and often overlooked, giant of …
Wilton Simpson: Florida’s New Agriculture Commissioner Issues Statement
Wilton Simpson was sworn in as Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture this week. He issued the following statement: “I am deeply appreciative of the privilege and responsibility of serving as Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture and leading the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Florida’s agriculture and related industries are the quiet, and often overlooked, giant of our economy …