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Below you'll see everything we could locate for your search of “watermelon”
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 …
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 …
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, …
By Clint Thompson This year’s Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting brought together experts and Extension agents from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) with North Florida producers to highlight the industry and certain trends that will impact production next season. Mark Warren, UF/IFAS Extension agent in Levy County, discussed the meeting that was held on …
By Frank Giles Watermelon production is big business in the Southeast. Florida and Georgia rank No. 1 and No. 2 in production, respectively. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, the two states produce half the commercial production in the country. For growers, the fungal disease fusarium wilt can be the worst problem encountered annually. The fungus can be seedborne, …
By Clint Thompson Growing up in Cordele, Georgia, the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” Jordan Carter never imagined working in agriculture and being a voice for watermelon growers across the Southeast. She was, after all, selling insurance as recently as 2013 before joining Leger & Son as director of sales and marketing. Eleven years later, she is the vice president …
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests are winding down across South Georgia. Late-season rainfall has sparked disease outbreaks in fields, says Tim Flanders, a watermelon scout. “Most of the folks I’m dealing with are beginning to wrap up. I’ve got some late watermelons that I guess they will continue to try to go for a while, but that’s just a small …
By Clint Thompson Grafted watermelon plants remain a significant defense against fusarium wilt disease. They are just costly and cause a delay in harvests, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “It does appear that properly managed grafted watermelons can be very helpful in managing fusarium …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s delayed start to the watermelon season was North Florida’s gain for a second year in a row. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed last week that some of his growers were still picking over fields, mostly because Georgia volume had not …
WINTER SPRINGS, FL – The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is excited to announce the call for entries for their 16th annual Watermelon Retail Merchandising Contest. Retail chains, independent retailers, and commissaries are invited to compete for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000, with $2,500 awarded to the second place, $1,000 for …
