Peak Strawberry Season Means More Florida-Grown Flavorful Fruit at Market

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberry

Florida is at the height of its strawberry harvesting season – a time when the state’s growers are doing all they can to ensure consumers can choose from among the best at the market. “It has been an incredible Florida strawberry season in terms of flavor and quality,” said Kenneth Parker, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. Parker …

Under the Microscope: Melon Growers Should Consult Extension When Diagnosing Disease

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Anthracnose and downy mildew provide similar disease symptoms in watermelons. Producers should be careful in self-diagnosing the potential disease in their crops this season. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Extension vegetable plant pathologist, implores growers to consult Extension personnel when deducing what problem they might have. A wrong diagnosis could have financial repercussions. “What we recommend is …

Drought Monitor Update in Southeast

Clint ThompsonDrought

The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry areas becoming less and less across Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Florida’s dry areas remain isolated to two counties in the Panhandle and along the west coast of the state. Moderate dry areas are observed in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Georgia is reported to have sufficient moisture in …

AFVGA Conference Registration Extended to Jan. 28

Clint ThompsonAlabama

Conference registration has been extended to Jan. 28 for those interested in attending the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference (AFVGA), slated for Feb. 14-16 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The registration price of $200 covers all planned meal functions, breaks, breakouts and general sessions. The conference will be held at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. Educational sessions, workshops, …

GFVGA Executive Director Hoping for New Farm Bill by End of First Quarter

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A new farm bill could be introduced sooner rather than later. At least, that’s the hope shared by Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “We are hopeful that you may see some texts in the latter part of the first quarter, February-March. We’re hopeful on that,” Butts said. “If you …

UF/IFAS Research Unlocks Control Methods Against Thrips Parvispinus

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The invasive thrips parvispinus is a tiny, elusive insect that has spread across Florida with a growing appetite for various fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops. Since it first emerged in a central Florida greenhouse in 2020, the pest has caused significant damage to various industries and even spread to residential areas. In South Florida, the gardenia and mandevilla production industries experienced major …

Commissioner of Agriculture Simpson, Legislative Leaders Launch Hurricane Idalia Recovery Programs

Frank GilesAgribusiness, Hurricanes

The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and legislative leaders announced the launch of two agricultural disaster recovery programs with over $112 million in funding to help Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers rebuild and recover from Hurricane Idalia. Impacted agricultural producers can now apply for the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program and the Silviculture Recovery Program. …

Peach Production: Fungicide Preservation Key in Brown Rot Management

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Fungicide preservation is the key for peach producers in managing brown rot disease long term. DMI fungicides have already been compromised to some extent. Growers need to ensure other fungicide classes don’t fall victim as well, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “The bottom line is we’ve got some new products coming …

Seventy-Five Reps Plead for Freeze to Current AEWR

Clint ThompsonLabor

A total of 75 congressmen recently issued a bipartisan letter to House and Senate appropriations leaders asking that the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) be frozen in an upcoming spending package. AEWR has more than doubled since 2005, with the nation’s average AEWR reaching $17.55 per hr in 2024. A temporary wage freeze would alleviate the increaased financial burden and …

UF/IFAS Extension Receives $2.7 Million in Strategic Funding to Upgrade Technology Infrastructure

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Data-driven decision making is at the core of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). To support this effort, Extension will receive a software makeover with $2.7 million in strategic funding from the office of UF President Ben Sasse. “IFAS is one of UF’s powerhouses, positively shaping the future of Florida’s agricultural industry,” Sasse said. “The …