Last year, the peach crop in Georgia really suffered. But according to Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Taylor and Peach counties, this year’s crop has rebounded following colder temperatures this past December and January. In an article written by Clint Thompson, news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and …
BREAKING NEWS: Florida Wins Round in ‘Water War’
In a victory for Florida, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday sent the state’s “water war” with Georgia back to a special master for further consideration. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, said Special Master Ralph Lancaster used “too strict a standard” in recommending that Florida be denied relief in its long-running claim that overconsumption of water in Georgia …
From Farmer to Legislator
Those with deep agricultural roots in Florida and Georgia discuss their journey into the world of politics. SONNY PERDUE U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue never wanted to enter the world of politics. As a child he grew up on a diversified row crop farm close to Perry, Georgia. After high school, he attended the University of Georgia (UGA) with …
Growing Artichokes Successfully in Florida
By Breanna Kendrick Shinsuke Agehara, assistant professor at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, Florida, is conducting artichoke research. Over the past year, he has been studying how artichokes possibly could be grown profitably in Florida. “This is the first season testing the artichoke,” said Agehara. “Researchers are seeing more and more potential of growing artichokes in …
Sneak Peek: July VSCNews Magazine
The July issue of VSCNews magazine explores new technologies emerging in the field. Charles Barrett, an Extension agent with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses his research with soil moisture sensors and how this technology can help improve irrigation practices. Precision application of fertilizer is on the horizon. UF/IFAS professor Arnold Schumann and his …
Managing Spider Mites in Florida Strawberries
As two-spotted spider mites continue to be a serious issue in Florida strawberry fields, Justin Renkema, former assistant professor at the University of Florida, has been working with his colleagues to figure out where these spider mites come from and how best to manage them. He has conducted spider mite research over the past two strawberry seasons. Renkema presented his …
Kelly Morgan Named New Director of UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
By: Beverly James, 352-273-3566, beverlymjames@ufl.edu GAINESVILLE, Fla. – As Best Management Practices Coordinator for the state, Kelly Morgan has spent years helping growers find optimum ways to irrigate and fertilize their crops to maximize results. Now, he will get the chance to coordinate even more groundbreaking research. The University of Florida has named Morgan the new director of the UF/IFAS …
FFVA President Mike Stuart to Retire
National search under way for association’s next leader MAITLAND, FL — Mike Stuart, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, has notified the association’s Board of Directors of his intent to retire, according to FFVA Chairman Paul R. Orsenigo. A national search is under way to find a successor for Stuart, who has led the statewide association since 1992. …
Plum Curculio Management in Peaches
By Breanna Kendrick Cory Penca, an entomology Ph.D. candidate and a student in the Doctor of Plant Medicine program at the University of Florida, gave a presentation at the recent Stone Fruit Field Day on managing key pests of peaches in Florida. Plum curculio was one of several pests he discussed. Plum curculio is a type of weevil that doesn’t …
Advice for Growers Implementing the Produce Safety Rule
By Travis K. Chapin and Michelle D. Danyluk Good agricultural practices have been followed by fresh fruit and vegetable producers for decades on a voluntary and market-driven basis to reduce risks from produce safety hazards. Such hazards include microbial pathogens, chemicals and physical hazards like broken glass or plastic. More recently, growers have been fulfilling the Food Safety Modernization Act’s …

















