WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule to amend H-2A temporary labor certification regulations that improves worker safety and updates the H-2A application and temporary labor certification process. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 12, 2022. After the department proposed changes to the H-2A program’s regulations in a Notice of Proposed …
USDA ERS: Peach Production Down 15%
The peach production forecast is down for 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS). Production is expected to net 583,500 tons, a 15% decrease from the previous season. California, the top peach producing state, is forecast at 430,000 tons, down 15% from the previous year. Frost events and hail decreased production and quality. The …
Fusarium Wilt Prevention in Florida Lettuce
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt in lettuce is not yet a widespread problem for Florida producers. German Sandoya wants to keep it that way. Sandoya, assistant professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, provides management options for growers to help keep the disease out of their fields. “We’ve only seen it in field plots, so …
October Management Tips for Blueberries
Blueberry specialists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) remind growers about management options they need to be mindful of during October. Producers should monitor and manage leaf diseases, especially in evergreen systems. It is important to scout for algal stem blotch and selectively prune out canes infected with algal stem blotch, Botryosphaeria stem blight …
Resources for Citrus Producers Following Hurricane Ian
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers have tips for citrus producers coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Management strategies include applying the plant growth regulator gibberellic acid to fight future fruit drop on trees weakened by the hurricane-force winds, spoon-feeding irrigation, applying kaolin clay to shade and cool the leaves from …
Florida Ag Expo Scheduled for Nov. 2
By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo is a couple of weeks away for those interested in attending the annual event in Wimauma, Florida. The expo, scheduled for Nov. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), provides pertinent information regarding specialty crop production in the Southeast. Josh McGill, show director for …
Strawberry Scent Matters More Than Sugar Content
By Kristen Van Gelder Strawberries are liked for their sweetness, flavor and delicious aroma. Both sweetness and aroma vary among cultivars and are influenced by the environment during growth, harvest and post-harvest storage. Strawberry consumers tend to favor fruit with intense sweetness and a fragrant, fresh and fruity aroma. In contrast, consumers tend to dislike strawberries that are sour and …
Low Citrus Crop Forecast for Florida Will Get Lower
The numbers are expected to further decline, as the season’s initial citrus forecast does not reflect Hurricane Ian damage. The annual gathering of Florida citrus industry members to hear the first crop forecast of the season looked a little different this year. While growers once again came together at Putnam Ranch in Zolfo Springs to listen to the U.S. Department …
Blueberry Plant Care After Hurricane DamageÂ
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian had varying effects on Florida’s blueberry acres. Some plants dodged the high winds and excessive rainfall while others were not as fortunate. Post-hurricane management is important for growers in preserving their crop for the following season. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, provides producers tips on how to manage …
Hemp Production Improves in Alabama
By Clint Thompson Hemp production continues to improve across Alabama, even as new pests emerged this year for producers. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, discussed the state of the crop in Alabama. “It’s getting better and better. I think each year we’re finding better ways to grow it. The program itself is trying to be more …