Florida Ag Community Continues Work to Enhance Water Quality Management

Web AdminCitrus, Fruits, Vegetables

By Frank Giles Water quality and quantity are issues that cross all political and economic boundaries in Florida. When blue-green algae and red tides occur, they make front-page news and keep these challenges top-of-mind for all Floridians. Agriculture and the water-quality debate have been closely intertwined over the years. As a large user of water for irrigation and the need …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Mite Pressure Update

Web AdminFlorida, Pest Management, Pests

Mite pressure is low but increasing in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Southern red mites were reported in blueberries in central Florida. Broad mites were reported in a few pepper fields across Southwest Florida. Broad mite infestation increased to low levels in pepper fields along the east coast. In eggplants, two spotted spider mites …

Florida Blueberry Growers Hope for a Better Season in 2024

Web AdminBlueberries

By Leonard Park The Florida blueberry season that began in the summer of 2022 culminated in one of the smallest spring harvests in years. The main culprit was Hurricane Ian. However, the lack of chill hours in December, followed by two harsh cold snaps over the holidays, affected other regions with damaged flower buds and crop delays. For most growers, …

What’s Needed to Ensure a Sweet Future for Georgia Blueberries

Web AdminBlueberries, Georgia

By Clint Thompson One of the largest and most productive blueberry growers in Georgia is concerned about the obstacles that will challenge his ability to remain sustainable in the future. That is why Kevin Eason voices his concerns to those who will listen. He aims to educate legislative leaders about the issues that challenge his sustainability as a farmer. Eason …

Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference Taking Place Oct. 25

Web AdminBlueberries, Events

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 …

Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference, Trade Show Scheduled for Oct. 25

Web AdminBlueberries, Florida

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 …

Gather Family, Friends for Tailgate, Complete with Florida-Grown Foods, UF/IFAS Cultivars

Web AdminFlorida

It’s game day. The excitement around stadiums is palpable. The college football season kicked off this weekend, and many fans enjoyed the company of family and friends while tailgating before and after the game. That meant food – lots of it. Tailgaters might think about eating some Florida-grown grub, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts …

UF/IFAS Research: Ammoniacal Nitrogen Preferred in Blueberries

Web AdminBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Nitrogen is an element that blueberry plants require most. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher believes there is room for improvement in how growers distribute that essential element. Gerardo Nunez, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, discusses nutrient research in blueberries. “It is an element where we believe there …

Monthly Blueberry Updates Help ‘Remind’ Florida Growers

Web AdminBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson The monthly blueberry updates administered by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) serves as a reminder for Florida growers of what needs to be done from a management standpoint. Even following the recent harvest, producers have important tasks to complete if they want to have another productive season the following year. Doug Phillips, …

Out of Business: Gloomy Future for Florida Blueberry Farmers

Web AdminFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s recent lack of success in profiting from its blueberry crop has prompted some farmers to leave the business altogether. “I already know of three farms for sale. I think you’re going to see a couple of people go out of business,” said Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries, …