By Clint Thompson Central Florida farmers interested in producing tropical fruits need to consider the risks just as much as the potential benefits of such an investment, believes one industry expert. Jonathan Crane, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences professor and tropical fruit crop specialist, cautions growers about overextending their farming operations and monetary investments in an …
Strengthening Farms, Businesses: USDA Invests in Domestic Fertilizer Projects
CASCO, Wis. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week that the USDA is investing in domestic fertilizer projects to strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. This funding advances President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up. It will create jobs and spur …
Florida Blueberry Summer Meetings Set for July
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers should mark their calendars for this year’s summer grower meetings scheduled for July throughout central Florida. This summer’s meeting schedule includes, Polk County, Monday, July 15, 10 a.m., Polk County Extension Office; Lake County, Wednesday, July 17, 10 a.m., Lake County Extension Office; Hardee County, Friday, July 19, 10 a.m., Hardee County Extension Office; …
Drought Monitor Update: Southern Florida Remains Dry
By Clint Thompson Persistent rains over the previous week across the Southeast has left most of the region with sufficient moisture except for southern Florida, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of the southern region of Florida is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The dry conditions start as far north as Volusia, Seminole and …
Staying Grounded: SCFBA Co-Chair Emphasizes Long Process with Farm Bill
By Clint Thompson The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) was thrilled to see many of its recommendations included in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s passage of the farm bill last week. But Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and co-chair of the SCFBA, remains grounded in his excitement. He understands it is a long process from now …
Specialty Crop Industry Applauds Farm Bill Moving Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2024) – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has released the following statement following the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s passage of the farm bill: “We thank Chairman Thompson and his staff for including so many investments for specialty crops in his bill, as well as the countless Democrats and Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee …
N.C. Ag Economic Impact Jumps to $111.1 Billion
RALEIGH – The economic impact of North Carolina’s agriculture and agribusiness industry jumped to $111.1 billion, posting a second straight year of strong growth at nearly $8 billion, according to Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With last year’s increase of $10 billion, that represents over $18 billion in growth since 2022 when we were coming out of a pandemic and some …
Downy Mildew Disease Observed in Florida, Georgia Watermelons
Downy mildew disease was observed in North Florida watermelons and South Georgia watermelons last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed in an email that downy mildew was confirmed in the southern part of the Suwannee Valley. He also reported that Ty Torrance, University of …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Minimal Across Southeast
Heavy rains over the past week have helped alleviate much of the drought-like conditions being observed across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The driest area remains in southern Florida. Abnormally dry conditions and moderately dry conditions are seen in the central and southern parts of the state. Abnormally dry conditions start as far north as Volusia and …
North Florida Extension Agent: Weather Competitive Advantage for Watermelon Diseases
By Clint Thompson Like the rest of the Southeast, North Florida has been impacted by excessive rains over the past week, dating back to last Friday. It has impacted the region’s watermelon crop, which has just started being harvested. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talked …



















