Another vegetable season means another chance for Mexican imports to deflate market prices. For one Florida producer, the consistent supply of imported cucumbers and squash could lead to an unexpected early retirement. “We cannot make a move without checking to see what Mexico’s doing first. It’s very disheartening for a man that was charged by God to feed the world,” …
Cup of Joe in the Sunshine State? UF Researchers Using AI to Study Coffee’s Potential
A changing climate could lead to a new crop for Florida producers. University of Florida (UF) scientists are already growing coffee plants at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit. This could lead to coffee being produced in the Sunshine State one day. The project, which is a collaboration between the UF Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and UF/IFAS, …
What You Should Know About the ‘Star Ruby’ Grapefruit
See why this is the red grapefruit of choice for many growers committed to Florida citrus production.
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates Across State
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update-3/8/21 Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “Anyone planting spring broccoli should be wary of the cold weather we have had regarding soil herbicide interactions. Be careful with Pre-transplant applications of Devrinol and to a …
Chilling Out: Early Alabama Peach Varieties Look Good Following Freeze Event
Chilling hours is not a concern for Alabama peach producers for the upcoming season. Potential damage from freezing temperatures is, however, something that may impact this year’s crop, according to Elina Coneva, Extension specialist in the Horticulture Department at Auburn University. “Feb. 15 was an important day for all fruit growers in the state. There were two things that were …
Citrus Achievement Award Winners Believe in Future of the Industry
Optimistic and progressive producers speak out on what lies ahead for the Sunshine State’s signature crop.
Soil Sampling: Management Practice Key for Upcoming Season
One of the most overlooked management practices for vegetable and specialty crop producers is also one of the most essential this time of year. Soil sampling can save producers money by providing valuable information about the nutrient content in their soils. It is a more efficient means of preparing for the upcoming season instead of just guessing, said Joe Kemble, …
Pecan Nominations: Deadline for Promotion Board is March 26
Attention pecan producers who are interested in serving on the American Pecan Promotion Board. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for pecan growers. The deadline is Friday, March 26. Eligibility requirements include that producers and importers must have produced or imported more than 50,000 pounds of inshell pecans or 25,000 pounds of …
Mighty Mites: UF Scientists Provide Information for Hemp Producers
University of Florida researchers have released information about mites that could impact the state’s hemp producers. The mites can cause devastation to hemp produced in fields and greenhouses. These include hemp russet mites, broad mites and spider mites. “These pests can attack hemp by distorting growth, causing defoliation and even killing plants,” said Lance Osborne, a professor of entomology at …
Dumping Produce: Mexican Imports Flooding Market
It is the same old story that Florida producers have, unfortunately, grown accustomed to. Another week, another dose of vegetable imports from Mexico that diminish market prices. Florida farmers continue to take the brunt of financial punishment. Gene McAvoy, University of Florida Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus, confirmed the dire news that Mexican produce continues to flood the American …