Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Hop Production Progressing in Florida

Clint ThompsonHops, Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles One of the missions of land grant universities is helping farmers to learn better ways to produce their crops. But another is seeking alternative crops, which might help growers to diversify their business operations. Some alternative crops work; others don’t. Research efforts might pay off when a crop catches on. A recent of example of this is …

Florida Tomato Associations Hire Robert Guenther

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Tomatoes

Maitland, Fla. –The trade associations that support Florida’s tomato growers, packers, and shippers have hired Robert Guenther to be their next leader.  These associations include the Florida Tomato Exchange, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange and the Florida Tomato Committee. Guenther will serve as the executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange and Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, in addition to being …

What’s Next? Florida Blueberry Farmer Concerned About Future Tropical Systems Following Hurricane Debby

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Hurricane Debby was bad enough for Florida’s specialty crop producers, especially with its excessive rains. One blueberry grower is concerned about what may follow, as some of his blueberry bushes remain under water. “The problem you get with these things is what happens next week? They’re showing more tropical activity. They’re saying over the next couple of …

Debby Aftermath: Florida Strawberry Producer Discusses Excessive Rains This Week

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberry, Weather

By Clint Thompson When Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida earlier this week, it dumped excessive amounts of rainfall. One strawberry producer experienced the torrential downpours in Plant City, Florida. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, highlighted how devastating the rains were on Monday and the impact he’s experiencing as he readies for the upcoming …

Survey Says: Florida Ag Sector Asked to Share Impacts from Hurricane Debby

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Florida specialty crop producers impacted by Hurricane Debby are asked to complete a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program survey on agricultural losses and damages. UF/IFAS will use the survey in its on-going research to track effects of severe weather on the state’s agricultural industry. Participants will be asked to assess their …

Blueberry Meeting

Summer Blueberry Meetings Tackle Disease Management in Florida

Dan CooperFruits

By Frank Giles The Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hit the road in July to host a series of meetings in key blueberry-growing regions of the state. MANAGE RESISTANCE UF/IFAS researchers covered several production topics during the meetings. Phil Harmon, professor of plant pathology, spoke about disease management …

USDA Expands Fresh Market Beans Insurance Program to Florida

Clint ThompsonUSDA

VALDOSTA, GA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the fresh market beans insurance program to two southern Florida counties: Hendry and Palm Beach. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) currently offers coverage in New York, North Carolina and Virginia. “Fresh market bean growers in Florida and stakeholders have asked for crop insurance,” said Davina Lee, director of RMA’s …

mangos

Sweet Profits: Florida Mangoes Selling High

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Mangos

By Clint Thompson Florida mango production has a benefit that other countries lack and is a big reason the industry is enticing for potential producers. Jonathan Crane, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences professor and tropical fruit crop specialist, highlighted how domestically produced mangoes are selling high when compared to mangoes that are imported into the U.S. …