The September issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine recaps the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo that was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, for the first time. The two-day event was held on Aug. 16-17 and was a success according to event organizers and exhibitors that made the show a possibility. Florida farmers are always seeking alternatives …
Sneak Peek: May 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The May issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine features an industry leader on the cover while also providing updates on Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberries and the recent Florida Grower Citrus Show in Fort Pierce, Florida. Titan Farms in South Carolina is a leader in peach production in the Southeast. Chalmers Carr, owner of Titan Farms in Ridge Spring, discussed what …
Sneak Peek: April 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The April issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine puts watermelons in the spotlight. There is new leadership in the National Watermelon Association. George Szczepanski talks about his new role as NWA executive director after succeeding Bob Morissey, who was in the role for nearly 20 years. Szczepanski inherits an organization amid a challenging era for growers, including high input costs …
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
A changing landscape in agriculture calls for policy reform. By Zhengfei Guan and Kuan-Ming Huang The United States has been the largest agricultural exporter in the world and has had surplus in agricultural trade for decades. In 2019, however, the United States saw a deficit (-$1.3 billion) for the first time in over half a century since data were available. …
Sneak Peek: June 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The June issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine focuses on Bill Brim, a Georgia producer fighting for the future of U.S. farmers. The Tifton, Georgia, grower discusses his educational effort in promoting domestic grown produce while expressing concern over where future generations will receive their food. Yiannis Ampatzidis, associate professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …
Sneak Peek: May 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Clint Thompson The May issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights management options available for blueberry farmers in combating anthracnose fruit rot (AFR). Philip Harmon, professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS blueberry Extension coordinator, discuss the different options available for blueberry farmers. These include minimizing the use of …
Sneak Peek: April 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Clint Thompson The April issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights watermelon production. It looks at the current trends and the future of anthracnose disease while also spotlighting new viruses to watch for in watermelons and other cucurbit crops. Severe anthracnose outbreaks have occurred in cucurbit-growing counties along the East coast, including in Florida and Georgia. University of Georgia …
Sneak Peek: March 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Clint Thompson The March issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights advancements in the management of cornsilk flies. Julien Beuzelin, an assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, discusses the insects, where they are found and why the potential for pyrethroid resistance is a concern. …
Sneak Peek: February 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Clint Thompson The February issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine features John L. Hundley’s recipe for success for more than 50 years in Florida. Hard work, a capable supporting staff and adapting to the changing times have helped sustain Hundley Farms and are why he will be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame on Feb. 15. Frank …