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A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study discovered new insights into how fruit detachment happens in muscadine grapes, paving the way for the possibility of mechanical harvesting. The research, aimed at reducing the high costs of manual labor associated with muscadine production, identified critical characteristics of the fruit’s genetics that make them easier to pluck …
The 2024 Florida Tomato Institute drew a large crowd of growers and other industry stakeholders to Clewiston, Florida, in early September. The event showcases the latest in tomato research, new product offerings from industry and a food-safety workshop. TOMATO TRADE DEFICIT Zhengfei Guan, an economist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), spoke about the …
By Clint Thompson The lingering dry period affecting all of Alabama could impact strawberry plantings if there is no rain soon. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Alabama is experiencing moderate or severe drought conditions. That doesn’t tell the whole story, however, says Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “We are dry. That drought monitor is …
By Clint Thompson An active tropical season this fall is concerning for Florida’s blueberry growers. According to Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, this time of year is when blueberry bushes are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when Florida experiences a bulk of hurricane activity. “In …
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the launch of the Debt Consolidation Tool, an innovative online tool available through farmers.gov that allows producers to enter their farm operating debt and evaluate the potential savings that might be provided by obtaining a debt consolidation loan with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) or a local lender. “Providing producers …
Ag imports in fiscal year (FY) 2025 are forecast at $212 billion, $8 billion over the FY 2024 forecast, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service Situation and Outlook Report. FY 2024 imports are forecast at $204 billion, $8.6 billion more than the $195.3 billion recorded for FY 2023 and $1.5 billion higher …
Neopestalotiopsis fruit rot and leaf spot disease is already expected to impact next year’s strawberry crop. The question is how can growers minimize the potential damage the disease will likely have on plants ahead of next growing season? Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, outlined how producers can navigate next season’s expected increase of Neopestalotiopsis. …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper has announced appointments to Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions. Appointments are made by the Ex-officio Committee, which includes Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall; Russ Moon, an appointee of the Georgia Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs; and Al Pearson, an appointee of the Georgia House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. Georgia’s Commodity …
By Clint Thompson Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto of CS/SB 1082 stopped progress this past legislative session on a bill related to housing for legally verified agricultural workers. But according to Florida Sen. Jay Collins, the bill should pick back up next legislative session. “That’s going to be run again. We’ve already talked to my partner in the House, Rep. …
Clemson Extension agents in South Carolina surveyed specialty crop growers in fall of 2023 on specialty crop acreage for the year, according to the South Carolina Grower. The goal was to identify the counties of production, acreage and observable market prices for the year. Data was collected for 14 fruit and vegetable commodities. Bulb onions, citrus, and grape and cherry …
