benefits

CUPS Benefits Go Beyond Psyllid Exclusion

Dan CooperCUPS

Citrus under protective screen (CUPS) offers benefits that go beyond its initial purpose of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) exclusion. Steven Callaham of Dundee Citrus Growers Association discussed the advantages and sustainability of this form of citrus production. Rapid tree growth is a major benefit, according to Callaham. “It has been documented that trees inside of CUPS grow about 2.5 times …

UF/IFAS Conference to Address Critical Agribusiness Policy Issues

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Florida specialty crop growers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference, scheduled for May 8. The day-long event, hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Food and Resource Economics Department, will address issues, research and policies that shape the state’s agriculture industry. The event will be held …

Nightmare to Optimism for Alabama Strawberry Grower

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson A nightmarish start to the strawberry season late last summer has turned into an optimistic outlook for Alabama grower Jeremy Calvert. Like other producers across the Southeast, Calvert was impacted by Neopestalotiopsis disease when he received transplants prior to the season. However, Calvert is seeing great potential in this year’s crop. “A great many growers in the …

florida

Florida Citrus Leader Hopeful Despite Alico’s Departure

Dan CooperHLB Management

Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Joyner’s optimism about the industry’s future comes on the heels of a major citrus grower stepping out of production. Alico’s departure from the citrus industry earlier this year was a body blow to the industry, according to one industry expert. Joyner feels similarly but also believes there are extenuating …

Increased Watermelon Acres Expected in Georgia

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia watermelon acreage is expected to increase this year. A key reason why is the current pricing struggles besetting the state’s row crop producers. Jordan Carter, director of sales and marketing with Leger & Son, Inc. in Cordele, Georgia, provided an outlook for what the industry looks like this year, with plantings expected to conclude this week …

Protecting Harvests: UF/IFAS Entomologist Fights for Florida’s Crops Against Costly Pests

Clint ThompsonCUPS, Florida

Behind every fresh head of lettuce and pepper on your plate, there’s a team of scientists working tirelessly to protect crops and farmers’ harvests from pests and plant diseases. De-Fen Mou, an assistant professor of entomology at the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) in Belle Glade, is one of the key researchers on the front lines, safeguarding Florida’s …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Compact Bed Design Tested in North Carolina Tomatoes

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles Southeastern tomato growers largely rely on plasticulture to produce commercial-scale crops. Production practices are well established, but some growers are considering new bed designs based upon recent research. Sanjay Shukla, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor of water quality, initiated research several years ago to examine potential benefits of a new bed …

N.C. Application Period Open to Apply for Disaster Assistance for Crop Losses in 2024

Clint ThompsonNorth Carolina

RALEIGH – North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced last week that the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program is open and accepting online applications through May 4 from farmers who suffered crop losses from Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, drought and other weather-related conditions in 2024. The North Carolina (N.C.) Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is administering the statewide …

GAC President Pleased with Georgia Legislative Session

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session concluded last week, and the state’s agricultural sector should be pleased with how the last couple of months transpired. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley discussed the session. “I think as far as ag goes, there wasn’t a priority issue or bill that was brought forth that hasn’t passed,” Bentley said. “That’s unusual. …

Combine Mancozeb and Copper in North Florida Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers must avoid applying copper with chlorothalonil when protecting against disease buildup. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, emphasized this stance early in the season and continues to stress its importance as it could lead to plant burning. “If they’re …