By Clint Thompson The absence of a new Farm Bill by the end of 2023 would not be the end of the world for the agriculture industry. It would just mean an extension or continuation of the current one. Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist, commented on what happens if a new Farm Bill is not in place by the end …
Guava Root-Knot Nematodes Threat to Florida Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson Guava root-knot nematodes are still the most threatening species to impact Florida tomatoes every year. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) specialist believes an integrated management approach remains the best management tactic. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida, …
A Year Later: Southwest Florida Recovering from Ian with Help of UF/IFAS Extension
In the year since Hurricane Ian unleashed its fury on Southwest Florida, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agents have helped communities in their long road to recovery. What was left in the path of the hurricane’s 150 mph winds and flooding rain? How about damaged crops, eroded beaches, downed trees and power lines, property …
Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference Taking Place Oct. 25
By Clint Thompson Blueberry producers should mark their calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the significance of the meeting this fall and why producers and industry …
AFVGA Leader: More Research Dollars Needed for Automation in Next Farm Bill
By Clint Thompson Additional research into automation is essential for the long-term sustainability of specialty crop producers. That’s the mindset shared by Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA). He commented on the ongoing Farm Bill negotiations and what the AFVGA would like to see prioritized. “From the fruit and vegetable association side, I …
GFVGA Optimistic New Farm Bill in Place by End of Year
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is hopeful a new Farm Bill will be established sooner rather than later. “We’re still optimistic that we may see a bill come out of the Senate and the House this year. As to whether or not they’ll be able to come together as a conference committee and get …
Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference, Trade Show Scheduled for Oct. 25
By Clint Thompson Blueberry producers should mark their calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the significance of the meeting this fall and why producers and industry …
UF/IFAS Conducted More Than $300 million in Research for Historic Fiscal Year 2023
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reached a new record for fiscal year 2023 with more than $300 million in research expenditures. This number is up 8% from last year’s $278 million. UF/IFAS is the second-largest contributor to UF’s record-breaking $1.25 billion in research spending for fiscal year 2023, a nearly 15% increase from 2022. …
Replacing Chemical Fertilizer With Nitrogen From Soil Bacteria
By Kristen Van Gelder The invention and use of chemical nitrogen fertilizer starting in the early 20th century have led to a phenomenal gain in agricultural output. For example, typical maize yields in the U.S. have risen from 2 tonnes per hectare in the early 1940s to about 11 tonnes per hectare today — a 450% increase that is in …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Rob Last Midlands Philip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Andy Rollins