Florida Blueberry Producer Discusses Season

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producer Ryan Atwood would not classify this year as a bumper crop. But it was not a bad crop, either. It was somewhere in the middle. The Mount Dora, Florida, producer discussed this season as harvests continue to wind down across the state. “I always tell people it’s a five-year average. You’ve got good years, …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Big Issues Addressed at Florida Citrus Show

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles Last year, AgNet Media took over hosting responsibilities for the Florida Citrus Show in Fort Pierce. With that change, the event moved to the neighboring facilities of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service U.S. Horticultural Research …

Specialty Crop Industry Applauds Movement on Farm Bill

Clint ThompsonFarm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued a statement following the release of two separate farm bill frameworks by the chairs of the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committees. “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commends House Agriculture Committee Chairman (Glenn) Thompson and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman (Debbie) Stabenow for their work in moving the 2024 …

florida

Update on Florida Ag Legislation and Budget Presented

Dan CooperFlorida, Legislative

By Maegan Beatty In mid-April, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted the 9th annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. The conference examines critical policy issues facing agribusiness leaders and provides economic insights. Participants heard from policymakers, key stakeholders and expert researchers on the farm …

Not Again: Fusarium Wilt a Recurring Concern for Florida Watermelon Producers

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Uncategorized

By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt disease is once again rearing its ugly head in Florida watermelons this year, according to one University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher. Nick Dufault, a plant pathologist with the UF/IFAS, noted in a blog that while little can be done now to manage the disease, it is still vital for …

growing matters

Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign on Keeping Pollinators Safe

Dan CooperPollinators

The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition helps growers protect bees and other wildlife. To learn more about pesticide safety for pollinators, we’re talking with Todd Hanson, Bayer Product Manager for corn seed treatments. About Growing Matters BeSure! Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. …

feral hogs

GFVGA Applauds Resources to Help Control Feral Hogs, Deer Populations

Dan CooperFruit, Georgia, Vegetables

The legislative budget for Georgia includes funding vital to helping protect the state’s farming commodities, including specialty crops, from nuisances like feral hogs and deer. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), addressed both following a GFVGA webinar that highlighted the most recent legislative session. “It can be devastating if you go and plant …

Attention Watermelon Producers: Be Alert for Increased Rindworm Feedings

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Rindworm activity has yet to be reported in North Florida’s watermelon crop. But increased feedings are expected in the upcoming weeks, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Hochmuth reported in his weekly email on Sunday that growers should continue to scout for …

Added Benefit: Florida Blackberries May Become More Nutritious in the Future

Clint ThompsonBlackberries, Florida

Blackberries are already known for their health benefits, and someday, they might provide even more antioxidants than the ones you buy now, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers. UF/IFAS scientists are trying to breed and grow blackberries, which ripen in April, May and June in the Sunshine State. In a new study, scientists found …

Sneak Peek: May 2024 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

The cover story of the May issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on a tiny but destructive pest of blueberries and strawberries in Florida. Chilli thrips have long been problematic for Florida growers and are fast becoming a concern for producers in neighboring states, like Georgia. Chemical applications are the main way farmers control the pest, and they are …