The May issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on Grimmway Farms, one of the largest carrot producers in the world, with more than 40,000 acres planted every year. Jeff Huckaby, a fourth-generation farmer, joined Grimmway Farms in 1998. He discussed the company and its ability to keep the customer happy and supply carrots all year long.
The key to the blueberry industry may be mechanical harvesters. At a time when labor costs are at an all-time high, automated harvesters are a necessity technological innovation that growers should invest in. Mechanical harvesting was highlighted at a blueberry meeting in Citra, Florida, on March 6. Producers who have already used the harvesters participated in a grower panel discussion about their importance.
Fruit and vegetable producers who utilize chlorpyrifos are reminded that the insecticide can only be applied to food crops until June 30, after which continued use will be banned. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers advise growers that products containing chlorpyrifos are unlikely to be available for sale and finding alternatives is advisable.
An article featuring the Endangered Species Act and its impact on herbicide applications is also highlighted, as discussed by Brett Bultemeier, director of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office.
Also, Specialty Crop Grower Magazine conducted a survey to gauge the challenges and opportunities its readership is experiencing. The main challenges include labor, access to operating capital and foreign competition, while 55% will maintain acres, compared to 24% who plan to reduce acres in the future.
Video Component
Don’t miss this month’s bonus video coverage in the interactive digital edition of Specialty Crop Grower magazine.
VIDEO: Learn more about how the Endangered Species Act is impacting pesticide labels and usage.
VIDEO: See more from the recent Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute.