U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack introduced the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act on Sept. 5. She said the bill, which fully funds the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), ensures that block grants are secured for Florida’s growers, among other things. The grants would make sure growers get the necessary tax breaks from hurricane losses they suffered. The bill would also …
USDA Targets Transgenics Against HLB
Matthew Mattia recently provided an overview of work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) transgenic test site in Fort Pierce. Transgenic refers to an organism that contains genetic material into which DNA from an unrelated organism has been artificially introduced. Scientists at the Picos Farm screen transgenics for suppression of citrus Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacteria that causes …
Better Watch Out: Neopestalotiopsis Still a Concern for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are on the brink of planting this season’s crop. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) expert is cautioning producers about disease control. One disease specifically comes to mind, says Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “I think Neopestalotiopsis is still …
Survey Says: Florida Producers Encouraged to Share Hurricane Idalia Impacts
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Hurricane Idalia made landfall the morning of Aug. 30 near Keaton Beach, Florida, but the Category 3 storm’s northeastern route brought rain and high winds to coastal regions along the western peninsula and inland agricultural counties. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) uses surveys after natural disasters, …
North Florida Farm Infrastructure Takes Hit from Idalia
By Clint Thompson North Florida agricultural leaders are still assessing damage left by Hurricane Idalia last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, provided an overview of what happened to the crops in the field and infrastructure on farms and in the different communities impacted by …
Hurricane Idalia Aftermath: North Florida Infrastructure Impacted Significantly
By Clint Thompson North Florida agricultural leaders are still assessing damage left by Hurricane Idalia last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, provided an overview of what happened to the crops in the field and infrastructure on farms and in the different communities impacted by …
What’s Going on? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Midlands Rob Last Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, 2026Nuseed Carinata …
Rep. Kat Cammack, Sen. Rick Scott Tour Impacts of Major Hurricane Idalia in Levy County
CEDAR KEY, FL – Florida Representative Kat Cammack joined Senator Rick Scott, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Cedar Key Police Chief Edwin Jenkins, and Cedar Key Mayor Heath Davis to tour impacts of Hurricane Idalia in Levy County on Friday and received an update on response and recovery efforts. Rep. Cammack and Senator Scott have traveled to impacted areas following …
Idalia Aftermath: Southeast Georgia Pecan Crop Heavily Impacted
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s pecan producers continue to assess what’s left of their crop in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia last week. Those in Southeast Georgia were especially devastated by the storm that packed high winds and heavy rainfall. It led to a substantial amount of this year’s crop gone, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “I …
Scouting Remains Vital Step in Pepper Weevil Control
By Clint Thompson Pepper weevils continue to be a nuisance for Florida vegetable growers. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts are providing guidance for producers on how to manage the pest. Jawwad Qureshi, associate professor of entomology at UF/IFAS, discussed the situation during the recent Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. He emphasized that any management …