In this month’s sneak peek, the April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Florida fourth-generation farmer BJ Wilkerson and how his farming family seeks to solve the sustainability puzzle. Wilkerson is based in Gilchrist County, grows watermelon and attributes long-term sustainability to multiple factors like crop diversification, crop rotation and grafting watermelon plants to combat fusarium wilt disease.
The Florida Citrus Show provided a day of education and enjoyment for citrus and vegetable producers on March 12. The event was held in Fort Pierce, Florida, and enlightened growers about timely information about citrus, especially with the Citrus Research and Field Trial programs. Other research pertaining to citrus and specialty crops was highlighted. The show also allowed vendors to interact with growers during the tailgate-style trade show.
Regenerative agriculture has been a popular phrase that dates back 40 years. The Make America Healthy Again movement is bringing it into the spotlight again. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program to help farmers adopt farming practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality and boost long-term productivity.
Specialty crop growers are seeking improvements to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Southeast producers have long been disappointed that the USMCA has done little to protect domestic interests and markets. A joint review of the USMCA is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.
Bamboo has been considered as a viable alternative crop in Florida, especially after citrus greening devastated groves across the state. A small bamboo farming industry started in 2016, gaining the support of University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. It is a strong alternative crop, grows rapidly and produces both food and timber.
Video Component
Don’t miss this month’s bonus video coverage in the interactive digital edition of Specialty Crop Grower magazine.
VIDEO: Florida blueberry farmer Ryan Atwood discusses collaboration with researchers. (page 4)
VIDEO: Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS regional Extension specialist, discusses grafted watermelon plants. (page 11)
VIDEO: Learn more about regenerative agriculture. (page 12)
VIDEO: Learn more about the USMCA review. (page 14)
VIDEO: Tommy Thayer discusses popular citrus variety selections among his nursery customers. (page 21)