Rainfall in Suwanee Valley Had Minimal Impact on Watermelon Plantings

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A substantial amount of rainfall that impacted North Florida last weekend should have minimal impact on watermelon acreage being planted in the Suwanee Valley. That’s mostly because the majority of acres have already been planted, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think in the last 10 days, we’ve probably gotten …

Most North Florida Watermelon Plantings Expected to Start in March

Clint ThompsonExports/Imports, Florida

By Clint Thompson Most North Florida watermelon growers are on the cusp of another planting season. While some acres across the region are planted in late February, most are planted, beginning in March, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think the majority of our …

Watermelon Plantings ‘Highly Risky’ This Week in Suwanee Valley

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The calendar says it’s the third week of February. In previous years that has meant watermelon planting time for some growers in the Suwanee Valley region of Florida. This week’s low temperatures, however, could halt some of that planting time. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in …

UGA Specialist Discusses Fertilizer Rates for Watermelon at SE Regional

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Fertilization rates for Georgia watermelon production is important knowledge for growers to be familiar with, as the new season looms. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, was tasked with enlightening producers about fertilizer rates and why they are set at certain levels, during last week’s Southeast (SE) …

Early Watermelon Plantings a Concern?

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Watermelon plantings are starting earlier and earlier in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida. That’s concerning to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, though he understands why producers are putting plants in the ground at the end of February. “These watermelon farmers, …

Fusarium Wilt a Lingering Concern for North Florida Watermelon Producers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are on the brink of planting this year’s crop. One lingering problem that still concerns growers is fusarium wilt, says Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County. “I think one of the things that scares our guys the most is this topic of …

Watermelon Board Assessment Increase Approved

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) assessment increase after a 20-month process. As of Dec. 20, 2024, the final rule is in Public Inspection status, approving the new assessment rate for the NWPB; the total assessment of 9 cents per hundredweight versus the current 6 cents per hundredweight. The amount is split between …

Worth the Investment: Paper Mulch a Huge Benefit to Florida Watermelon Growers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Paper mulch research continues to yield results that would benefit North Florida watermelon growers, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. He spoke with AgNet Media about the ongoing research during the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting. “The paper mulch project has …

A Lot to Consider for North Florida Watermelon Producers Ahead of Planting Season

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Watermelon growers in Florida’s Suwanee Valley Region are a little more than two months away from planting next season’s crop. There’s plenty to think about and consider heading into next season, says Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County. He discussed next year’s growing season during the …

North Florida Watermelon Production: Automation Growing in Suwanee Valley

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Irrigation automation is not yet a widely adopted practice among Florida watermelon growers in the Suwanee Valley region. Tyler Pittman, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gilchrist County Extension agent, hopes that trend will soon change. He moderated a grower panel at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs, Florida, on …