By Clint Thompson What a difference a year made for Florida blueberries. A year ago amid the early onset of COVID-19 and consistent imports from Mexico, prices were down for most of the season, about 50% of the historical average farmers would normally get, according to producer Ryan Atwood. This year’s crop, though, was helped by consistent prices for most …
Florida Ag Commissioner: Soul of our Country Built on American Farmers
If the U.S. relies on foreign markets for its food supply, it is a dangerous trend, says Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried. She, like many of her farmers, believe it to be a national security issue. It needs addressing now. “We cannot afford to let our farmers go out of business and sell their land to development and then force …
Watermelon Field Day in North Florida
University of Florida/IFAS will host a Watermelon Field Day on Monday, May 3 at Watson’s Farm in Levy County. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a dinner to follow. Mark Warren, UF/IFAS Extension agent in Levy County, will discuss nutritional management as part of an BMP program. Bob Hochmuth, the UF Regional Specialized Extension …
So Far So Good for Florida Peach Crop
So far, so good for Florida’s peach crop. According to Jose Chaparro, UF/IFAS Associate Professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department, the peach season is going well throughout the state. “This has been really the best spring season we’ve had in a few years,” Chaparro said. “We got adequate chilling. We have good weather, and we haven’t had too much rain. …
Florida Farmer: It Needs to be Fair
Almost a month after testifying before the U.S. International Trade Commission, Florida vegetable farmer Marie Bedner is optimistic about potential change to imports of cucumbers and squash flooding the domestic market. “I am optimistic. They’re listening to us. The fact that we had these hearings, the one back in August for the bell peppers and this one for the cucumbers …
North Florida to Feature More Late-Season Watermelons
North Florida watermelons will be in supply later than normal, says Branford, Florida producer Laura Land. Land, who is also a member of the Florida Watermelon Association, says there will be more late-season watermelons this year in North Florida. “The increase in acreage that I’m seeing here in the North Florida area is pretty much that later crop,” Land said. …
Rainy Forecast: Florida to Receive Heavy Rains This Weekend
Florida is on track to receive heavy rainfall thunderstorm activity through this weekend, says Gary England, UF/IFAS Extension Agent Emeritus. In his email, England alerted producers that the main precipitation accumulation is expected Saturday through early next week, mainly Monday and Tuesday. Most of north and north central Florida could receive at least two inches of rainfall with some locations …
Labor Shortage? Not According to Southeast Farmers, Industry Leaders
One of the focal points of the U.S. International Trade Commission hearing on the impact imports of cucumbers and squash have on the domestic industry is labor; how much it costs and the availability of it. Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of Americas, insists the lack of workers has led to a quality issue with produce grown …
Is the ‘US Superna’ Mandarin Hybrid Finally on the Rise in Florida?
With commercial production viability still up for debate, the unique fruit is now in trial blocks for observation in the Sunshine State.
Florida Farmer: We Need Relief and We Need it Now
Florida farmer Marie Bedner said it best: “We need relief, and we need it now.” The Florida farmer testified on Thursday during the U.S. International Trade Commission hearing regarding the impact that imports of squash and cucumbers are having on the domestic industry. Dumping Produce Bedner cited Mexico’s low labor costs and government subsidies for how Mexico can sell its …