Problem-solving skills and a thirst for knowledge allow Chuck Obern to run a thriving vegetable farm. By Kendal Norris To be successful in farming requires a good deal of stamina, flexibility and determination, along with a love of the art of growing things. Charles “Chuck” Obern, owner of C&B Farms, Inc., embodies all these qualities. He is also curious, with …
Soil Health Matters! A Tale of 2 Florida Citrus Groves
A look at different approaches that have brought orange plantings back from the brink.
Taters No More! This Florida Farm is Now Growing Sweet on Citrus
Tater Farms has worked to diversify its crop mix and is finding new tangerine plantings are progressing well in more northern climes of the Sunshine State.
Carambola Could Be the New ‘Star’ of Florida Agriculture
Cover crops may increase sustainability of carambola groves. (ASA) — It’s not just oranges that grow in Florida. Carambola, or star fruit as most in the United States call it, is gaining popularity. One researcher from Florida International University is researching how cover crops can help the sustainability of star fruit farms. “Tropical fruit production has become a prominent practice …
Florida Agri-Women Tour Agricultural Operations
(AgPR) — Women around the state who work in agriculture came together Dec. 5 for Florida Agri-Women’s first farm tour. The initiative aimed to provide education on agricultural issues while visiting farm operations. The goal of Florida Agri-Women (FAW) is to work together as a collective voice to promote the industry and keep the future of Florida agriculture sustainable. The …
Decision in Florida vs. Georgia ‘Water War’
This latest decision has been made regarding the longstanding argument between Florida and Georgia about water issues growing more complex as populations boom in these two deep southeastern states. In The Supreme Court of the United States ——————————— * ——————————— STATE OF FLORIDA, Plaintiff, v. STATE OF GEORGIA, Defendant. ——————————— * ——————————— CHAMBERS OF THE SPECIAL MASTER ——————————— * ——————————— …
Could Jujube Be a Fruit Tree for the Southeast?
By Kevin Folta I was glued to an uncomfortable seat in a rickety van, speeding down a marginal Chinese highway. A group of scientists ventured out for a day trip, from Wuhan to the Three Gorges Dam. The driver spoke no English, his foot was made of lead, and he chain-smoked one cigarette after another, pausing only to find his …
Managing Pests in Florida Blueberries
By Karla Arboleda Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are working on techniques for managing pests in Florida blueberries. Both blueberry gall midge and chilli thrips are problematic for several blueberry varieties. Oscar Liburd, a professor of entomology at UF/IFAS, shared findings from the past season on managing pests. PEST ACTIVITY AND IDENTIFICATION …
Florida Tomato Committee Names McAvoy Researcher of the Year
(UF/IFAS) — He may hold the title “emeritus,” which means “retired,” but Gene McAvoy remains active with University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension and research, helping bring farmers’ concerns back to UF/IFAS scientists. In fact, he just won the Researcher of the Year Award from the Florida Tomato Committee. For the past 22 years, McAvoy …
Crop Insurance Deadlines Near in Florida
Avocado, Blueberry, and Pasture, Rangeland, Forage and Apiculture Producers Need to Make Insurance Decisions Soon Tallahassee, FL (FDACS-Oct. 14, 2019) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (USDA RMA) are reminding Florida avocado, blueberry, pasture, rangeland, and forage (PRF) and apiculture producers that deadlines to apply for crop insurance …