As the University of Florida IFAS Extension director for Hendry County, Gene McAvoy has seen firsthand a sea change in the types of workers now coming to the United States to work on farms. “It used to be 95 percent or more of the workers were from Mexico,” McAvoy said. “Now, it’s about 50 percent from Haiti and the Caribbean. …
UF Researchers Seek to Develop Tastier Mangos
Mangos make for a tasty, nutritious snack or side dish. To help meet consumer demand for more flavorful mangos without grit or fibrous flesh, University of Florida (UF) scientists will try to identify superior varieties so mango producers can choose the best types of the fruit to grow in the Sunshine State. Some South Florida farmers already grow mangos, but …
UF Scientists Hope to Breed Better-Tasting Sweet Corn
University of Florida (UF) scientists plan to use a $7.3 million, four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) to find the genetic traits that will make sweet corn taste even better, last longer and grow better across the nation. Mark Settles, a professor of horticultural sciences at the UF Institute of …
UF Names Evans New Director of Tropical Research and Education Center
Edward “Gilly” Evans, a longtime agricultural economist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), has been named director of the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead. Evans, who served as interim director for almost two years, has overseen the hiring of five new faculty members. The new hires bring expertise in everything from …
UF Hosts Hemp Workshops for Growers, Industry in August
By: Beverly James, 352-273-3566, beverlymjames@ufl.edu GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is taking the first step to introduce industrial hemp to growers and industry across the state. The UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project will host a series of workshops for grower and industry project partners. UF/IFAS faculty will provide an update about the …
Drones: Decision-Making Tools for Weed Management
By Ramdas Kanissery, Aditya Singh and Jim Fletcher Effective weed management in the field is one of many operational challenges faced by farmers across vegetable production systems. Spraying herbicide on emerged weeds, often termed as post-emergent sprays or burn-down applications, is essential for row-middle (inter-row) vegetation control in commercial vegetable production. EFFICACY EVALUATION Spray programs are usually conducted early in …
Jack Payne on New SWFREC Director
By Jack Payne, jackpayne@ufl.edu, @JackPayneIFAS Kelly Morgan is a more reliable water source than rain is. You don’t know when or if you’ll get water from the sky, but what Morgan can teach you makes every drop you have go farther. His focus on the farmer as customer is what has made him so successful as the state’s best management …
UF Launches One-Stop Resource for Disaster Prep, Recovery
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Floridians preparing for the next Hurricane Irma can visit the University of Florida’s (UF) new disaster website for quick tips, videos and more on how to deal with a natural disaster. Experts encourage users to bookmark the new site, disaster.ifas.ufl.edu, for quick access. “We’ve integrated all our disaster resources so people could find everything in one place, …
UF ‘Dream Team’ Plans to Change Face of South Florida Ag, Natural Resources
Contact: Beverly James, 352-273-3566, beverlymjames@ufl.edu HOMESTEAD, Fla. – They don’t wear capes and tights, but the new University of Florida (UF) faculty members hope their research will help grow the state’s agriculture and natural resources, and stave off enemies that threaten industry. The eight scientists, based at the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead, Florida, are bringing new …
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 …