By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producers continue to feel the sting of increased imports from Mexico. What should have been a profitable year for those growers who had a crop this season was anything but. It was due to Mexican blueberries stealing the marketing window away from Florida blueberry growers, believes Florida farmer Ryan Atwood. “Considering as little of volume …
Blackberry Field Day: Attendees Can Tour Orchard at UF/IFAS on May 25
Florida specialty crop farmers interested in producing blackberries can attend the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blackberry field day at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). UF/IFAS faculty from Gainesville and from the center — along with a scientist from the University of Arkansas — will present updated findings at the meeting, from …
Not So Sweet Prices: January Freeze Event Impacting Watermelon Market
By Clint Thompson The freeze event in late January is having an impact on the watermelon market more than three months later. What were ‘outrageously’ high prices just a few weeks ago have dropped substantially since. It is mostly due to an abundance of supply overwhelming demand. Carr Hussey, a watermelon farmer in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, calls it a …
Dry Conditions Persist in Southeast
Much of the dry conditions that developed in recent weeks in the Southeast remain in Florida and Georgia, while most of Alabama is drought free, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The majority of Florida’s dry conditions are concentrated in the southern part of the state. A severe drought is being experienced in parts of Glades and …
Growing Matters: Remembering Applicator Safety
The 2022 BeSure campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition centers on using crop protection safely and responsibly. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a key element of best-management practices. Along with pollinator health concerns, applicator safety is also another critical aspect of good stewardship. Senior Scientist for Field R&D for Valent USA, Craig Campbell said that safety should be the …
Pepper Weevil Impact in Florida
High populations of pepper weevil are being reported in various fields across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are high in all locations across the Southwest Florida region. Some younger plantings may not be harvested at all due to most fruit being infested. Adult pepper weevils are feeding on buds and flowers. The same …
Nutsedge Control During Fallow Period
By Clint Thompson There are ways to control nutsedge during the upcoming fallow period. Cover crops are not an effective solution, however. Nathan Boyd, University of Florida (UF) associate center director and associate professor of horticulture/weed science at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discusses why cover crops are not recommended to manage nutsedge, which can grow up to …
Alabama Insect Pest Monitoring Report
Alabama Extension cautions vegetable producers about a sudden spike in activity of southern armyworm moths compared to fall or beet armyworms. According to the Alabama Insect Pest Monitoring data generated from April 14 to April 29, there were 40 southern armyworm moths at five locations across the state, compared to five farm armyworms and four beet armyworms. Southern armyworm caterpillars …
Statistically Speaking: Various Factors Contribute to Surge in Input Expenses
By Clint Thompson Various factors have contributed to the increase in costs for fertilizer and other energy-based inputs. A surge in post-pandemic demand combined with transportation delays, low crude oil inventories and the current Russia-Ukraine conflict are the main reasons, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service. Nitrogen fertilizer is up 110% from …
Less Availability, Higher Transportation Costs Lead to Increase in Sod Prices
By Maria M. Lameiras Prices for sod, including rolls of University of Georgia-bred turfgrass varieties, will be higher for homeowners and landscapers this year. Low inventory of some varieties, combined with economic pressures exacerbated by supply chain and global issues, are pushing the price of a manicured lawn higher this spring. Depending on the specific variety, it might be more …