By Maegan Beatty Cold-hardy citrus is grown across a few thousand acres in more than 16 counties in North Florida and South Georgia. The satsuma mandarin is a cold-hardy species that has been grown throughout North Florida since the 1800s. The fruit is typically medium sized, a reddish orange color and can produce the highest quality in cooler winters and …
UF/IFAS Hosts Orchard Field Day
By Maegan Beatty Last week, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted an Orchard Field Day at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida. The field day served as an educational event for commercial farmers, home gardeners and industry representatives. Attendees gathered to learn more about fruit crop diversification options. Speakers covered …
UF/IFAS Hosts Orchard Field Day
By Maegan Beatty Last week, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted an Orchard Field Day at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida. The field day served as an educational event for commercial farmers, home gardeners and industry representatives. Attendees gathered to learn more about fruit crop diversification options. Speakers covered …
USDA Highlights Disaster Assistance Available to Florida Producers Impacted by Hurricane Ian
Polk County, Florida – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited a citrus grove in Polk County, Florida on Thursday to survey the impact of Hurricane Ian and meet with producers impacted by the storm. The Secretary highlighted efforts by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist growers in rebuilding their operations and increase their bottom lines. “We know how devastating …
Florida Farm Bureau Working with Members to Assess Damage Following Ian
Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members to assess the damage to farmers and ranchers across the state to determine their needs following Hurricane Ian last week. Farmers and ranchers are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings, fencing and other property loss due to substantial wind and water damage from the major storm. Southwest Florida farm families face weeks …
Jumbotron Sponsor: Crop Vitality, Tessenderlo Kerley Continues Support of Expo
By Clint Thompson Another year of the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo meant another opportunity for Crop Vitality, Tessenderlo Kerley to show its support to both industries. Zack Ogles, manager of agronomony, highlighted the importance of his company continuing to support the two-day event every year, which concludes on Thursday. “Florida agriculture is really a big piece of our business. …
Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Starts Wednesday
By Clint Thompson One of AgNet Media’s signature events kicks off on Wednesday in Fort Myers, Florida. The two-day Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo, now in its 30th year, is one of the largest gatherings of industry leaders in South Florida. It attracts almost 1,000 attendees every year and will be held at the Lee Civic Center. The event educates …
UF/IFAS Begins Research to Update Best Management Practices Nutrient Recommendations
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) received $8.8 million to conduct new research that will provide farmers with new and improved nutrient recommendations for fertilization of key Florida crops. The funding, approved by the Florida Legislature, will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Farmers apply fertilizers to their crops …
Potato Grower Provides Perspective to Water Debates
By Frank Giles The 2022 Florida legislative session had a lot to do with water rules and regulations. For the most part, the legislation that passed was favorable for agriculture and now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. In a state of 21 million people, the number of people involved in and able to speak on behalf of agriculture is small. …
Large Scale Citrus Field Trials Idea Surfaces
Citrus research continues to be a topic in state and federal funding circles as the industry’s battle with HLB, or citrus greening, continues. One idea in the incubator of industry discussion is a program being call “CRAFT” – an acronym for a “Citrus Research and Field Trial” program. It’s a large scale field trials idea, and Citrus Research and Development …