Farms are businesses, and producers have the double challenge of following a host of complex rules and regulations while also trying to turn a profit. That’s why the University of Florida is hosting the inaugural Growing Together: Central Florida Partners for Agriculture Symposium on Thursday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Florida Institute of …
Central Florida Event to Help Farmers Navigate Regulations
Farms are businesses, and producers have the double challenge of following a host of complex rules and regulations while also trying to turn a profit. That’s why the University of Florida is hosting the inaugural Growing Together: Central Florida Partners for Agriculture Symposium on Thursday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Florida Institute of …
Florida Ag Hall of Fame Nominations Due Sept. 1
The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, which honors producers, commodity leaders, educators, scientists and others who have contributed to agriculture in the Sunshine State, is accepting nominations for its class of 2024 inductees. There are two ways to nominate: Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted electronically no later than Sept. 1. “The Hall of Fame celebrates the rich history …
Peach Tree Management: Growers Should Manage Borer Insects
By Clint Thompson Peach tree growers suffered through a disastrous season due to unforeseen weather conditions in February and March. Despite those various challenges, producers need to continue maintaining their orchards for future yields. This is especially true for insects like peachtree and lesser peachtree borer, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural …
From Start to Finish: Chilli Thrips Remain a Season-Long Concern for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Strawberry planting season is just around the corner for South Florida producers. One part of production that growers will have to be ready for is managing chilli thrips. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed chilli thrips …
Nominations for Florida Ag Hall of Fame Due Sept. 1
TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, which honors producers, commodity leaders, educators, scientists and others who have contributed to agriculture in the Sunshine State, is accepting nominations for its class of 2024 inductees. There are two ways to nominate: Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted electronically no later than Sept. 1. “The Hall of Fame celebrates …
Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Land Grant Research Prioritization Act
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced bipartisan legislation last week to authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make priority research grants available for land-grant universities to research and develop agricultural applications of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced mechanized harvester technologies, invasive species control and aquaculture. “Florida’s land-grant universities are constantly innovating to address …
A Preview of Florida Citrus Breeding Projects
By Peter Chaires The New Varieties Development & Management Corp. (NVDMC) board of directors has completed its 2023-24 budgeting process. Like other citrus industry organizations and private companies, the NVDMC board sought to address the need for immediate and short-term benefits, without abandoning a necessary focus on the future. Most of the funding will be directed to near-term benefit, with …
Florida Watermelon Growers Lead in Total Production
While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …
Take Precautions When the Heat Is On
By Ashley McLeod-Morin Due to the nature of their work during the extreme heat of summer, those who work on farms are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses than the general population. The Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, led by the University of Florida, has compiled heat illness educational resources (see tinyurl.com/2u5mh642) for farmers and farmworkers …