By Clint Thompson Extreme drought conditions in North Florida have led to advisories issued for water conservation. It’s a key development for growers who are preparing to plant watermelons in the Suwanee Valley Region. But the biggest concern is the current dry conditions could only worsen over the next couple of months. “I think the biggest concern is that we’re …
Seminar Program Set for Next Month’s Florida Citrus Show
The Florida Citrus Show is just a month away, scheduled for March 12. The event will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce. The seminar program offers a wealth of educational opportunities, and …
North Florida Watermelon Plantings Expected in Couple of Weeks
By Clint Thompson It is the second week in February which means North Florida watermelon plants are expected to be planted in a couple of weeks. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed the planting scenario facing growers in his region. “There are definitely transplants that …
Freeze Impact: Florida Blueberry Growers Assessing Damage
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry farmers are busy assessing damage sustained from last weekend’s winter storm. While it may not be for some time that growers get a clear picture of how much damage occurred from low temperatures and high winds, it is certain that there was impact. That is according to Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food …
Drought Update: Extreme Conditions Observed in Florida, Georgia and Alabama
By Clint Thompson According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, dry areas still encompass much of the Southeast region, especially in North Florida, South and Central Georgia and Southeast Alabama. Florida Extreme conditions are seen in a couple of areas in northern Florida. One area includes all or part of Jackson, Calhoun, Liberty, Gadsden, Leon, Wakulla and Jefferson counties. The area …
Florida Citrus Show: Opportunities for Small Fruit and Vegetable Growers
The Florida Citrus Show returns on Thursday, March 12. In addition to citrus, the show has added educational seminars dedicated to small fruit and vegetable production to better serve growers in the region and beyond. The event will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. …
New UF/IFAS Research Helps Florida Strawberry Growers Overcome Pair of Pests
Florida’s strawberry fields may look vibrant and abundant this time of year, but beneath those glossy leaves, a quiet battle is raging. At the very moment Florida’s crop hits peak production, two long-established surge onto the scene: the twospotted spider mite and the chilli thrips. These tiny pests can overwhelm plants in tandem, draining vigor, deforming fruit and leaving farmers …
Drought Update: Conditions Remain Dire Across Southeast Region
Drought conditions continue to linger across the Southeast, according to the Jan. 15 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama The driest area remains in Southeast Alabama, South Georgia and North Florida. Severe conditions in Alabama start in the southeast corner of the state in Houston and Henry counties, expand northward to Lee and Chambers counties and westward to Escambia, …
Government Shutdown Impacted H-2A Worker Availability for Florida Farming Operation
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable farmers from across the Southeast were in Savannah, Georgia, during the second weekend of January to attend the annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Producers from Georgia, Florida, Alabama and the Carolinas attended the show which was bigger and better this year. Many discussed the issues and concerns they have heading into this …
So Far, So Good: Florida Blueberry Production Ahead of Schedule
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry production is ahead of schedule this year, says one industry expert. “Things have been looking a little early. Of course, it’s variety specific, but things are looking a little early,” said Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “I saw a pretty heavy floral bud set on …



















