By: Brad Buck, bradbuck@ufl.edu, 352-875-2641 (cell) You’ve finished your holiday meal, including perhaps, seconds. The aroma of traditional foods still wafts from the kitchen. Lots of people will make leftovers, whether it’s turkey sandwiches or a veggie dish. But some UF/IFAS Extension agents suggest wise alternatives to prepare. From stuffed bell peppers to shepherd’s pie, here are some thoughts from …
Safety Training Program Protects Ag Workers During the Pandemic
By Kimberly L. Morgan Throughout the food supply chain, producers, processors, distributors, wholesalers and retailers seek economies of scale and scope to improve profit margins, while delivering safe, consistent, reliable and relatively low-cost foods to consumers. At the farm level, owners make decisions to minimize production and harvesting costs, relying on human resources and scientific advances to address the dynamic …
A Southern Fir Christmas Tree is on the Horizon for Ornamental, Timber Industries
By Mark Czarnota for CAES News During the holiday season in the U.S., more than 20 million freshly cut Christmas trees are sold every year, with fir trees topping the most-desired list. Unfortunately growers cannot meet the needs of consumers, and every year, there is a shortage of trees, primarily due to the incredible losses of susceptible firs — including …
Risks Come With Hemp Production
Risks come with any crop farmers attempt to produce in the Southeast. Between diseases, pests, input costs, unpredictable weather and instability in the marketplace, producing a crop and making a profit is not a guarantee. Hemp production is no different. Producers need to do the appropriate research before planting their crop next spring. This is especially important since hemp is …
Heavy Rainfall Expected in South and East
Heavy rainfall is expected in the southern and eastern parts of the country on Christmas Eve. Stephanie Ho has the report with USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.
Whiteflies Still Problematic for Some Florida Farmers
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whiteflies continue to be problematic for some Florida farmers. Around SW Florida, whiteflies continue to bounce up and down, as heavy rains and cool nights slowed them down a few days in most places. Population numbers and nymphs are building in a number of mature fields. Growers should increase monitoring efforts as pressure …
Asian Bean Thrip Scouting Report in Florida
Here is the weekly scouting report of the Asian Bean Thrip (ABT) in various counties in Florida. According to UF/IFAS, outside of Miami-Dade County, high population densities of ABT continue to be in isolated occurrences only. The highest instances of ABT continues to be in eastern Palm Beach County. Populations are as high as 4.0 per bloom. However, it has …
USDA AgCensus Special Survey Looks at Local Foods Marketing Practices
A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) AgCensus special survey looks at local foods marketing practices. The information generated in the survey is vitally important to priorities set by the USDA, including the enhancement of rural economies, the environment, food access and nutrition, strengthening agricultural producers and markets, according to Adam Cline with the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Stephanie Ho has …
Last-Minute Gift Idea for Gardeners on your List
It’s not too late to buy your loved one a Christmas gift this year. Dennis Patton, Kansas State University Extension garden expert, suggests a garden tool organizer might be a good last-minute gift for the gardener on your list. Source: USDA
Treading the Produce Safety Rule Agricultural Water Requirements
By Taylor Langford, Matt Krug and Michelle Danyluk The Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule (PSR) highlights the need to reduce risks associated with agricultural water (e.g., irrigation, fertigation, foliar sprays, frost protection, etc.) that will contact fresh produce. The PSR requires some growers to monitor the quality of their agricultural water by analyzing generic E. coli populations through …