By Clint Thompson A productive and prosperous watermelon season in North Florida last spring does not guarantee increased acres next year. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, explains why one of the most successful seasons in recent memory will not necessarily lead to more watermelon acres …
UF/IFAS to Feature Sessions, Educational Booth at Florida Citrus Expo
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers and Extension program staff will provide multiple educational programs at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. Faculty and staff will participate on both days of the Expo, sharing the latest research updates and engaging activities for commercial growers. UF/IFAS Interim Senior Vice President for …
Drought Update: Extreme Dry Conditions Observed in Southwest Florida
Drought conditions vary across the southern states. Alabama has a few counties that are abnormally dry. Much of West Georgia is abnormally dry, and the southwest corner of Florida is either abnormally dry, moderately dry, severely dry or extremely dry, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Only a few areas in Alabama are abnormally dry. These …
Survey Says: Growers to Use Cover Crops Even If Not Incentivized
Cash incentives have spurred some growers to implement cover crops as part of their farming operations. But a recent survey has shown, after those incentives from cash or crop insurance discounts go away, producers are prone to stick with the process. In a U.S. Department of Agriculture interview, Rob Myers, director of the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the …
Increase in North Florida Watermelon Acres Next Year? Not So Fast
By Clint Thompson A productive and prosperous watermelon season in North Florida last spring does not guarantee increased acres next year. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, explains why one of the most successful seasons in recent memory will not necessarily lead to more watermelon acres …
UF/IFAS to Feature Sessions, Educational Booth at Florida Citrus Expo
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers and Extension program staff will provide multiple educational programs at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. Faculty and staff will participate on both days of the Expo, sharing the latest research updates and engaging activities for commercial growers. UF/IFAS Interim …
New Research on Chilli Thrips ManagementÂ
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research has yielded confirmation on why chilli thrips are an annual problem for strawberry growers, especially early in the season. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, talked …
Rep. Cammack Voices Concerns Ahead of New Farm Bill
The future of Florida’s agriculture industry rests in the hands of legislative leaders devising the next Farm Bill. U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03) continues her quest in ensuring Florida producers are not slighted as the next bill continues to be debated in Washington D.C. She spoke with Florida Politics as the current Farm Bill debate lingers and what should be included. Cammack tried to steer …
Hurricane Ian Assistance Deadline Extended
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for applications from agricultural producers for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Ian in Florida. The application deadline has been extended to Sept. 25, 2023. The 28 approved counties for ECP signup are Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, …
Tri-County Agricultural Area: Where Tradition Meets Technology
By Frank Giles There are a few farming regions in Florida and around the country that have carved out unique identities and are quickly recognized by their names. The Tri-County Agricultural Area (TCAA) is one such place. Comprised of St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler counties, the TCAA has roots dating back to the very beginning of agriculture in the state. …