By Clint Thompson The sufficient moisture conditions that were prevalent just a few weeks ago across the Southeast has turned abnormally dry again, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. All of South Alabama is abnormally dry, with portions of eastern Geneva County and southern Houston County in the southeast part of the state being moderately dry. The dry areas stretch …
Current Dry Period Benefiting Florida’s Blueberry Quality
By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period affecting the majority of Florida is impacting fruit quality in the state’s blueberry crop. Most of the state is in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. That has had a positive effect on blueberries, which are beginning to be harvested in certain areas across Florida, said Ryan Atwood, who …
February Crop Updates for Southeastern States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service released crop updates for February for states in the Southeast. ALABAMA: February temperatures ranged from 3.7 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to 9.9 degrees F warmer than normal depending on the location. Total rainfall for the month ranged from 1.3 inches in Dale County to 9.2 inches in Marshall County. Most of the …
Sweet Corn Prices Increasing for Florida Growers
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn producers experiencing high volume right now are reaping the rewards of a depressed supply. Prices are extremely high right now, though, Florida’s spring crop should be ramping up production soon, says Tori Rumenik, commodity services and supply chain manager for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. She highlighted why farmers are able to ask …
Sweet Corn Prices High for Florida Growers with a Crop
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn producers experiencing high volume right now are reaping the rewards of a depressed supply. Prices are extremely high right now, though, Florida’s spring crop should be ramping up production soon, says Tori Rumenik, commodity services and supply chain manager for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. She highlighted why farmers are able to ask …
New Miss Florida Citrus Crowned
Casana Fink of Ocala was crowned the 2023 Miss Florida Citrus Feb. 25 in Winter Haven. She will help promote the Florida citrus industry over the next year. Fink was chosen during the Miss Florida Citrus and Miss Winter Haven Program held at Polk State College. Fink, 24, is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she was a …
Florida Blueberry Harvests Should Begin Soon
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are only days away for some growers in Florida. Location will determine when producers will start harvesting fruit, believes Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “Some places will start picking early March, depending on the location. Some of the South Florida farms that didn’t have a …
Florida Blueberry Harvests Should Begin Soon
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are only days away for some growers in Florida. Location will determine when producers will start harvesting fruit, believes Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “Some places will start picking early March, depending on the location. Some of the South Florida farms that didn’t have a …
U.S. Drought Monitor Update: Florida either Abnormally or Moderately Dry
Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor showed minimal dry conditions in Georgia and Alabama, while Florida is mostly abnormally dry or moderately dry. In Alabama, the only abnormally dry area is located in the southern half of Houston County. In Georgia, the dry conditions are located mostly in the southeast area of the state. The abnormally dry conditions start …
Irrigation Tips for Florida Farmers
By Ajia Paolillo As the season moves from winter to spring, the irrigation requirements of citrus trees change. Typically, February through May is the drier time of year in Florida with low rainfall amounts in most areas. However, during this period, the trees are actively producing leaves and flowers, setting fruit, and pumping resources to the growing fruit during cell …