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The 2024 Peach Field Day will be held Tuesday, July 16, at the Sandhills Research Station in Jackson Springs, North Carolina, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to growers and anyone interested in learning more about producing peaches and the peach industry in North Carolina. Specialists from North Carolina State University as well as …
This is the first in a two-part series about DOL’s Final Rule By Clint Thompson To say that Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, is upset by a new H-2A rule implemented by the Department of Labor (DOL) would be an understatement. The agriculture leader is infuriated by the recent announcement and …
By Clint Thompson Central Florida farmers interested in producing tropical fruits need to consider the risks just as much as the potential benefits of such an investment, believes one industry expert. Jonathan Crane, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences professor and tropical fruit crop specialist, cautions growers about overextending their farming operations and monetary investments in an …
CASCO, Wis. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week that the USDA is investing in domestic fertilizer projects to strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. This funding advances President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up. It will create jobs and spur …
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers should mark their calendars for this year’s summer grower meetings scheduled for July throughout central Florida. This summer’s meeting schedule includes, Polk County, Monday, July 15, 10 a.m., Polk County Extension Office; Lake County, Wednesday, July 17, 10 a.m., Lake County Extension Office; Hardee County, Friday, July 19, 10 a.m., Hardee County Extension Office; …
By Clint Thompson One citrus leader is optimistic about this year’s crop in the cold-hardy citrus region. “We’ve had some fruit drop on trees, which is to be expected, but mostly are we going to have a bumper crop this year. I think everyone I’ve talked to has said that their trees are loaded. We’re going to have a lot …
By Clint Thompson Florida’s strawberry acres increased in 2023 and so did subsequent production. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, Florida’s acreage totaled 14,200, an increase from 12,800 in 2022 and 12,300 in 2021. Total production reached 2.9 million cwt in 2023, compared to 2.8 million cwt in 2022 and 2.83 million cwt in 2021. …
By Clint Thompson Persistent rains over the previous week across the Southeast has left most of the region with sufficient moisture except for southern Florida, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of the southern region of Florida is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The dry conditions start as far north as Volusia, Seminole and …
By Clint Thompson The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) was thrilled to see many of its recommendations included in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s passage of the farm bill last week. But Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and co-chair of the SCFBA, remains grounded in his excitement. He understands it is a long process from now …
The U.S. Highbush Council (USHBC) has been awarded $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Food and Agriculture’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to expand export opportunities for domestic blueberries. “We applaud Secretary Tom Vilsack, Undersecretary Alexis Taylor and the Senate Agriculture Committee for their visionary leadership in creating the RAPP program,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC. “Their support …
