So Far, So Good: Florida Blueberry Harvests Strong

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry spell is not unexpected for Florida’s farmers this time of year. It does present ideal weather conditions for the state’s blueberries to be harvested. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Blueberry Extension Coordinator, discussed the current harvest season. “It’s good picking weather, because you definitely want the berries …

Drought Monitor Update: Dry Conditions Worsening in Southeast

Clint ThompsonDrought, Florida

The lack of rainfall in recent weeks has led to drought conditions worsening across the Southeast. This is according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of Florida is experiencing some level of drought conditions. The Panhandle and Northeast Florida are abnormally dry, starting as far west as Okaloosa County and stretching eastward to Nassau, Duval and …

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Florida Avocado Tree

Clint ThompsonAs Seen On Instagram, Florida

With Cinco de Mayo approaching, now’s the time to dig into guacamole and even plant the tree that produces it. Florida avocados offer a fresh, tropical twist on this fan-favorite fruit that stars in so many recipes. Did you know Florida avocados have less fat than the popular Hass variety, making them the lean, green star of your fiesta spread? …

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Florida Tomato Exchange Not Supporting Any New New Suspension Agreement

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson The next 90 days are critical for the domestic tomato industry. That is how Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, views the next three months following Monday’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) would terminate the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, which will become effective July 14, 2025. Guenther believes the …

Hail Damage in Some North Florida Watermelon Fields

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson North Florida’s watermelon crop sustained some damage from storms last Friday evening. There was minimal impact across the region, though some fields experienced hail damage, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. He reported in his weekly email that growers with heavy …

Wet Spring Could Spike Anthracnose in Southeast Strawberries

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Anthracnose disease is a yearly concern for strawberry producers in the Southeast. But its severity will largely hinge on the environmental conditions this spring. Because that’s the case, anthracnose may be a problem this year for growers and it may not, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “If we have a …

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 …

Missed Opportunity: Tariffs Fail to Level Playing Field for Southeastern Growers

Clint ThompsonExports/Imports, Florida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration last week did not include products covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). That’s a missed opportunity to help Southeast specialty crop growers impacted by seasonal imports, says Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “Our greater concern is just disappointment that we felt like the …

Drought Conditions Persist Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonAlabama

Abnormally dry and moderately dry conditions still persist across certain areas of the Southeast, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry conditions in Alabama are seen in the southern counties like Escambia, Covington, Coffee, Dale and Houston. Dry conditions are also observed as far north as Saint Clair, Blount, Etowah, Marshall, Cherokee and Dekalb …

Excellent Quality Sweet Corn in Florida This Year

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The first week of April is usually reserved for Florida sweet corn production to spike. This year is no different, says Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). She discussed this year’s crop and the top-notch quality that is expected. “March is when we kick off spring, …