By Clint Thompson The February issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine features John L. Hundley’s recipe for success for more than 50 years in Florida. Hard work, a capable supporting staff and adapting to the changing times have helped sustain Hundley Farms and are why he will be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame on Feb. 15. Frank …
UF/IFAS Research Helps Reduce Whiteflies in Tomatoes
QUINCY, Fla. — University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are helping tomato producers successfully manage whiteflies. Previous studies helped narrow scientists’ focus to a white clay, kaolin, and an essential oil, limonene. Each is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for agricultural use. “These products are easily found and relatively inexpensive, and they can be …
UF/IFAS Watermelon Trials Focus on Nutrient/Water Efficiency
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agents are conducting on-farm trials this year to help watermelon producers be more efficient with their resources. Tyler Pittman, UF/IFAS Extension agent in Gilchrist County, explains what north Florida producers can expect from some of the research trials. “Here in Florida, one of our hottest topics …
Georgia Strawberry: Minimal Reports of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot So Far
By Clint Thompson Minimal reports of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease in Georgia strawberries this year has one University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist encouraged. But the real test will come when temperatures warm up and row covers are removed, believes Phil Brannen. “Other than the one (farmer) that had it early who got his plants from one of those …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “One of our weather stations in Mt. Pleasant got down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit (F) on Saturday night. Last Thursday our high was 73F, and 55 hours later it was 23F. That …
Meister Media Worldwide Sells Florida Grower Magazine to AgNet Media
Meister Media Worldwide and AgNet Media today announced the sale of Florida Grower magazine and its Florida-related assets to AgNet Media, effective March 1, 2022. Through Florida Grower, Meister Media has invested more than 25 years of commitment to Florida’s citrus, vegetable and other specialty crop producers. Initiatives like the Florida GrowerSM Citrus Show, the Florida GrowerSM Citrus Achievement Award …
Georgia Peach Producer: We’re Racking Up Chill Hours
By Clint Thompson Cold January temperatures have brought increased chilling hours for Georgia’s peach crop. Growers like Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, are elated about the recent cooler temperatures being felt throughout the state. “All the peach growers, we’re pretty excited. Chill hours, that’s been the question mark for …
Florida Farmer: We’ve Diversified, That Helps
By Clint Thompson Rising input costs. Accelerated imports. Little if any increase in market prices. It has become increasingly more difficult for Florida’s specialty crop producers to find sustained success. Vegetable farmer Marie Bedner credits diversification for Bedner Farms staying as successful as long as it has. “We’ve diversified and have the three retail stores, which that helps. We’re direct …
Weed Control in Peach Orchards
By Clint Thompson Weed control in peach orchards is an important management tactic. This is important for young and older orchards, says Wayne Mitchem, N.C. State Extension Associate and Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Coordinator. “The idea is to try to minimize competition so we can maximize that tree growth in those formative years of the orchard so we can …
Fungicides Key During Grape Pruning
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist Phil Brannen reminds grape producers that fungicides need to be applied as they prune their crop ahead of next season. “While they’re pruning and during the time they’re pruning, we do have some concerns about pruning wound injuries and pathogens that come in on pruning wounds. We do recommend …