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By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers have enjoyed a prosperous season so far, though that prosperity could come to a halt once neighboring states start harvesting their crop. That could soon be the case, explains Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “I think it’s been good production. A number of folks …
Southeast strawberry growers continue to be threatened by fresh strawberry imports from other countries, mainly Mexico. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report, fresh strawberry import volume increased 4% in 2023, from 564 million pounds to 589 million pounds. It marked the fifth straight year that import volumes have increased. The nominal value of …
By Clint Thompson El Niño flexed its muscle during the winter and early spring. Cold, wet conditions have been prevalent across the Southeast. But how much longer will it last and what exactly are neutral conditions that weather experts project El Niño to transition into? Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, provides an answer. “Think of it …
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Jhessye Moore-Thomas Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins
Blueberry import volumes dropped in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report. Fresh blueberry import volumes decreased 15%, down to 559 million pounds in 2023 from 657 million pounds in 2022. It marks the first decline in volumes since 2017. Import volumes in the latter half of last year were down 29% …
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach crop was about 80% this year. It was also earlier than normal, explains Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “The people that thinned on time are going to do well. I think we’ve had people picking since March. In north-central Florida, there’s been people picking …
Disease detection picked up over the previous week in North Florida watermelons. As observations of bacterial leaf spot and Alternaria leaf spot have been confirmed, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is advising growers to scout fields more closely as a result. “Based on field visits last week, I see the greater concern and recommendation to be …
By Rob Gilbert The Science of Sustainability The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) provides the science of sustainability. For specialty crop growers, sustainability must mean profitability. Our innovations have to make economic sense. My predecessors as University of Florida senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources have held this view for generations. I’m honored …
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition helps growers protect bees and other wildlife. To learn more about what we can do, we’re talking with Nick Tinsley, Seed Treatment Technical Field Representative with BASF, who says one important action is to keep treated seeds covered. About Growing Matters BeSure! Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on …
MAITLAND, FL – Last week, in response to a lawsuit by a large Mexican tomato exporter, the U.S. Court of International Trade remanded a 2019 decision to the Department of Commerce, which had determined Mexican tomatoes were being dumped in the U.S. market. Importantly, this decision didn’t invalidate the fact that dumping took place but was a procedural decision that …
