By Clint Thompson Harvests for this year’s pecan crop is just a couple of months away. This year’s crop has exciting potential. But success will once again depend on the market prices that growers are able to receive, says farmer Randy Hudson. “We’ve got a pretty good looking crop. We’ve got some holes, though. Some older trees that had a …
Register Now: Citrus/Specialty Crop Expo Scheduled for Aug. 17-18
By Clint Thompson Producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo scheduled for Aug. 17-18 at the Lee Civic Center in Fort Myers, Florida. Complimentary registration is available for all growers, packers, shippers, processors, association members and university researchers. Those interested can click here for additional information. Josh McGill, show director, discusses …
Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Slated for Aug. 17-18
By Clint Thompson Producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo scheduled for Aug. 17-18 at the Lee Civic Center in Fort Myers, Florida. Complimentary registration is available for all growers, packers, shippers, processors, association members and university researchers. Those interested can click here for additional information. Josh McGill, show director, discusses …
Finding a Fit for Blackberries in Florida
By Frank Giles Blackberries have been produced in Florida for some time, but new efforts have been made to learn more about the crop to grow production and markets in the state. Blackberries have been proven to be a popular item at U-pick operations. For farmers who grow U-pick strawberries and blueberries, blackberries offer a way to extend the picking …
Proposed Changes to Ag Water Requirements
By Taylor O’Bannon, Matt Krug and Michelle Danyluk In December 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its proposed changes to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) Subpart E, which covers agricultural water. Compliance with the requirements of Subpart E has been delayed, since December 2019, to allow FDA adequate time to identify more appropriate …
Florida Lawmakers Focus on Nutrient Management
By Frank Giles The Florida Legislature passed the largest budget on record during its 2022 session. The final tally came in at $110 billion. Lawmakers showed strong support for agriculture, passing several important bills. The Legislature allocated millions of dollars for the industry as well. SB 1000The most significant action was passage of SB 1000 Nutrient Application Rates. The legislation …
Improving Soil Health for Citrus Production
By Tacy Callies In an effort to keep HLB-infected citrus trees productive, many Florida growers are turning to techniques aimed at improving soil health and nutrition. This was the subject of a recent seminar hosted by citrus grower Ed James and sponsored by Sand to Soil Services. More than 30 growers of citrus and other crops gathered at James’ grove …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Provides Weekly Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Disease pressure is likely to continue to increase given the recent welcome rainfall. Gummy stem blight can be found in cucurbit fields along with downy mildew in cucumbers and watermelons. Maintain …
Register Now for EPA Certified Soil Fumigant Applicator Training
Florida specialty crop producers are encouraged to register now for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certified Soil Fumigant Applicator Training workshop, scheduled for Thursday, July 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hendry County Extension office in LaBelle, Florida. In order for an applicator to utilize fumigants, they must have a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services …
Blueberry Management for July
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reminds Florida producers about what blueberry management tactics they need to consider as the calendar turns to July. Growers should scout for algal stem blotch, a key disease in southern highbush blueberries. It can stunt growth and cause yellowing in leaves. Farmers should also monitor and manage leaf diseases. They …