By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo’s return means more networking opportunities for South Florida producers and industry leaders. That is one of the show’s main benefits it will provide when it returns on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Wimauma. “It’s not just …
S.C. Producer Named Southeastern Farmer of the Year
South Carolina fruit and vegetable producer Robert “Bob” Martin Hall was named the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year on Tuesday during the 43rd annual Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Hall, from York, South Carolina, is in his 42nd year of farming. He produces strawberries, peaches, cantaloupes, melons, blackberries, blueberries, sweet corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, squash, …
Fall Watermelon Production Not Recommended in North Florida
By Clint Thompson Josh Freeman, University of Florida (UF)/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Associate Professor in Horticultural Science, is completely honest when assessing the potential of fall watermelon production in north Florida. “To be completely frank, we would not recommend watermelon growers grow watermelons in the fall,” Freeman said. His blunt assessment is attributed to the multiple variables …
Whitefly Infestations Vary Across Florida
Whiteflies remain sporadic in areas across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Growers and scouts report populations are low to moderate in most areas in southwest Florida. Recent rainstorms help suppress some of those populations. Growers are also continuing to find whiteflies after heavy spray programs. Respondents indicate that whitefly infestations are widely present across central …
On Tap: Citrus Variety Display Days are Back On in Florida
It’s time for industry stakeholders to gather and sample again. Check out the 2021-2022 schedule.
Tomato Prices High For Southeast Farmers
By Clint Thompson Tomato prices are up. Supply is low. But that’s not necessarily a good proposition for farmers with a crop, says Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate Professor in Horticultural Science. “Prices are up. Supply is tight right now. Where we would typically be sourcing tomatoes from, at least in the eastern U.S., would be kind of in …
A Lot to Learn: Two New Viruses a Concern for Florida Watermelon Industry
By Clint Thompson Two new watermelon viruses discovered recently in Texas are now a concern of Florida producers. As if South Florida growers did not have enough diseases to concern themselves with, these two new viruses are now on growers’ and industry leaders’ radar. Pam Roberts, professor of plant pathology and state Extension specialist for vegetable pathology at the University …
Growing Primocane-Fruiting Blackberries in Florida
By Fumiomi Takeda The introduction of primocane-fruiting (PF) blackberries by the University of Arkansas is considered a major innovation in the blackberry industry. Anytime a variety or new way of growing a crop can extend the production and marketing season, the crop becomes more important for growers and consumers. In addition to extending the season, this advance has expanded the …
Florida Hall of Famer: Commissioner Fried Announces Lone Inductee
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced John L. Hundley as the 2022 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee. The induction ceremony will be held at the Florida State Fair’s Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet on February 15, 2022, where Mr. Hundley will be recognized along with the class of …
Bacterial Spot Disease Worsening for Florida Tomatoes
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, bacterial spot disease in tomatoes is worsening daily in Central Florida and North Florida. Infections are beginning to move up the plant. Bacterial leaf spot has started in early tomatoes in the Immokalee, Florida area. Progression is similar to what scouts have observed in the Manatee County area. According to UF/IFAS, …