According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, thrips pressure is being observed at high populations in Homestead, Florida. Dakshina Seal, entomologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center, has observed high population levels of melon thrips and Asian bean thrips on beans, cucumber and eggplant. Overall populations are …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Florida Blueberry Growers Gather for Annual Meeting
By Frank Giles In October, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association hosted its annual meeting in Lakeland. Educational sessions focused on a variety of topics that are top-of-mind for growers. Grower Survey Results Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, shared results of his annual grower survey. There were 61 growers responding, covering …
Mix Up Holiday Drinks with These Florida-Inspired Mocktails
Imagine sipping on a bubbly, refreshing drink at your next holiday gathering, surrounded by family and friends. But this time, the mixture in your hand isn’t just delicious – it’s also nutritious. That’s what you get when you make holiday mocktails with Florida-grown produce, and they pack a punch in terms of health benefits. Fresh citrus fruit juices from oranges, …
Hurricane Milton Aftermath: Vegetable Impact Tops $52.5 Million
By Clint Thompson A preliminary report by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program shows wide-ranging impact on vegetable crops from Hurricane Milton. Production losses estimated for vegetables, melons and potatoes suffered an economic impact of $52.5 million to $233.2 million in the affected area. Approximately 71.1% of vegetable, melon and potato …
Southeast Drought Update
Drought-like conditions continue to be prevalent over all of Florida and most of Alabama, though there is sufficient moisture in most of Georgia. This is according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama’s dry conditions continue to range from abnormally dry, which are prevalent throughout most of the state, to extreme drought in the northern areas …
Hurricane Milton: Florida Ag Production Losses Top $190 Million
Hurricane Milton caused agricultural production losses with an estimated value between $190.4 million and $642.7 million in Florida, according to a preliminary report by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP). The report is based on a diverse set of baseline data and surveys UF/IFAS agricultural economists distributed to producers. Milton …
Rainfall a Difference Maker in Some Alabama Pecan Orchards
Rainfall a Difference Maker in Some Alabama Pecan Orchards By Clint Thompson The Alabama pecan crop is harvested and being processed, mostly for the retail market. Those that received more rainfall this year experienced increased yields compared to those that didn’t, says Bran Futral, Alabama Pecan Growers Association president. “I’ll tell you that central and North Alabama probably didn’t do …
Acreage Increase for North Florida Watermelons in 2025?
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon acreage does not figure to decrease in 2025; not after the successful seasons farmers have experienced the last two seasons, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think if we settle that there were 1,000 more acres last year, …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Diversification is Name of Game for Southern Hill Farms
By Frank Giles Life can come at you fast in farming. Growers in it for the long term learn to adapt with the times and overcome the many challenges that come their way. That is the case with the Hill family, who has been farming in Central Florida for generations. The family operation has its roots in Lake County. But …
Hurricane Recovery Differs Among Crops Impacted
By Clint Thompson Hurricanes delivered devastating impact on fruits and vegetables this year in the Southeast. Whether it was Debby, Helene or Milton, each storm wreaked havoc on the region’s specialty crop production. But how long it takes to recover differs from storm to storm and on the commodities that were impacted, says Christa Court, University of Florida Institute of …



















