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Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talks about how downy mildew has impacted North Florida’s watermelon crop this year. He also demonstrates what symptoms look like. Downy mildew can degrade or destroy the plant’s foliage very rapidly. It thrives in a wet, humid environment, and the …
By Clint Thompson Two of Florida’s top tropical fruits were highlighted by an industry expert during an interview with AgNet Media. Jonathan Crane, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor and tropical fruit crop specialist, discussed the state of this year’s avocado and mango crops, heading into the summer. “The avocado crop has been down because …
By Clint Thompson The future of Florida’s peach industry potentially rests on results generated from research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). With labor expenses at an all-time high and showing no signs of slowing, Florida’s peach growers need a more efficient way to produce a crop that is heavily reliant on manual labor. …
Recent rainfall has been a welcome sight for Floridians, but it can be a concern for the state’s citrus growers who are producing next year’s crop. Chris Oswalt, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences citrus agent, cautions growers about citrus canker amid the increased moisture in the region. “With rainfall, you need to be concerned about those …
By Clint Thompson Citrus and specialty crop producers from across the Southeast can register for the upcoming Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for Aug. 20-21 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida. The two-day event especially appeals to growers and industry leaders in Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. Morgan Cole, Expo show organizer for AgNet Media, talked …
A new University of Florida (UF) study shows how drones can do more than just take aerial pictures and videos — they can help farmers grow better hemp by seeing the health of their crops with some artificial intelligence (AI) assistance. Researchers at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead …
By Clint Thompson American Farm Bureau (AFB) President Zippy Duvall testified last week at the Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing to discuss the need for Congress to support younger farmers as they enter the industry. It’s a concerning issue for the future of the country’s food supply, considering one-third of America’s farmers are over the age of 65 with …
By Clint Thompson Alabama has sufficient moisture. According to the June 5 edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor, there are no dry conditions being observed throughout the state. Conditions are especially saturated in central Alabama, says David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. “All the ponds are full right now. It is wet. About every three or four days …
By Clint Thompson Florida Farmer of the Year Jim Alderman used his testimony during last week’s appearance at the Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing to remind congressional leaders about the need for the agriculture industry to get younger. “At the age of 78 years old, I’ve spent four and a half decades working the land,” Alderman said. “I still …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop was high in quality but low in quantity this year, according to one industry expert. With the weather challenges that growers experienced across the region, it’s not a surprise that production dropped this year. “The crop’s not as big this year. What we have is good quality,” said Chris Tyson, University of Georgia …
