By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo is a couple of weeks away for those interested in attending the annual event in Wimauma, Florida. The expo, scheduled for Nov. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), provides pertinent information regarding specialty crop production in the Southeast. Josh McGill, show director for …
Blueberry Plant Care After Hurricane Damage
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian had varying effects on Florida’s blueberry acres. Some plants dodged the high winds and excessive rainfall while others were not as fortunate. Post-hurricane management is important for growers in preserving their crop for the following season. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, provides producers tips on how to manage …
Strawberry Spotlight: Update on Florida Pearl™ Pineberry
By Vance M. Whitaker The patented Florida Pearl™ (FL 16.78-109) pineberry is a newcomer on the U.S. berry market in the last two years. It has appeared in stores under multiple brand names, including Pinkaboo and Berry De Blanc. ABOUT THE BERRYPearl has white flesh inside and out, with a pink blush on the outside when ripe. The seeds also …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “We received some welcomed rainfall during last weekend’s storm system; amounts were variable across the area, with an inch being the most common. The precipitation allowed for bed formation operations to continue …
Blueberry Management Tips Following Hurricane
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian had varying effects on Florida’s blueberry acres. Some plants dodged the high winds and excessive rainfall while others were not as fortunate. Post-hurricane management is important for growers in preserving their crop for the following season. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, provides producers tips on …
Florida Farm Bureau Helping Growers in Ian’s Aftermath
Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members to assess the damage to farmers and ranchers across the state to determine their needs following Hurricane Ian last week. Farmers and ranchers are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings, fencing and other property loss due to substantial wind and water damage from the major storm. Southwest Florida farm families face weeks …
Florida Farm Bureau Working with Members to Assess Damage Following Ian
Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members to assess the damage to farmers and ranchers across the state to determine their needs following Hurricane Ian last week. Farmers and ranchers are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings, fencing and other property loss due to substantial wind and water damage from the major storm. Southwest Florida farm families face weeks …
What Can Growers Do Post-Ian to Improve Groves?
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – While Hurricane Ian’s impact on Florida’s citrus growers last week is still being assessed, producers can take action now to protect their groves from further damage. Faculty at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, and at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center …
Getting the Most Mileage out of Marathon Mandarin
By Peter Chaires Based on the performance of a single mother tree, the University of Florida’s Marathon mandarin was released and licensed into a revised version of the FAST TRACK model in 2019. Having learned from the growing pains of earlier FAST TRACK variety launches, the Marathon model (Suite IV) was designed to be more user friendly and flexible. Rather …
DeSantis Activates Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program on Tuesday. This makes $50 million available. At least $10 million must go to small businesses that are agricultural producers impacted by Hurricane Ian in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, …