By Clint Thompson U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA-08) believes China to be an adversary, no longer an aggressive competitor. So, naturally when China controls certain agricultural inputs, most notably seed, it concerns the legislator. “I don’t blame the Chinese for being smart, I blame us for being naïve about what they were doing and not paying enough attention to it …
AgNet Media Announces Launch of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
AgNet Media has announced the merger of two of its print brands to create a new magazine — Specialty Crop Grower. The magazine will serve growers of fruit and vegetable crops in the Southeast. Last year, AgNet Media purchased Florida Grower, a 116-year-old magazine with a loyal following among the state’s specialty crop producers. Florida Grower joined AgNet Media’s other …
Take Precautions When the Heat Is On
By Ashley McLeod-Morin Due to the nature of their work during the extreme heat of summer, those who work on farms are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses than the general population. The Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, led by the University of Florida, has compiled heat illness educational resources (see tinyurl.com/2u5mh642) for farmers and farmworkers …
Local Support Essential to Sustainability
By Clint Thompson Education remains the key component in convincing American consumers of the value of supporting local farmers. It is an approach that is currently being underutilized, according to one Florida vegetable producer. “Most farmers, including myself, get caught up with kicking the tires and trying to make things work. But at the end of the day, you have …
FFVA Convention Happening This September
Florida specialty crop growers interested in attending this year’s Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) convention need to mark their calendars for Sept. 25-27. The three-day event will be held at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. Attendees will learn about the latest trends and receive industry updates impacting their fruit and vegetable industries. The Ritz-Carlton in Naples will reopen on …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Tom Bilbo – Vegetable Entomologist Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Pee Dee Bruce McLean Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway …
Promoting Florida Grape Products
By Maegan Beatty Throughout the U.S., there are over 28,000 farms growing grapes on over 1.1 million acres. The top grape growing states are California, Washington, New York and Oregon. While Florida is not included on this list, the grape industry is rising in popularity due to the agritourism opportunities. Some of these opportunities include grape vineyards and wineries. In …
Supreme Court Ruling Limits WOTUS
By Frank Giles In a ruling on May 25, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on a case that will limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) jurisdiction in enforcing the Clean Water Act (CWA). The case also influences the agency’s definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). In the case, Sackett v. EPA, the court ruled in …
UF/IFAS Hosts Grape Field Day at PSREU
By Maegan Beatty On May 18, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted a Grape Field Day at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) in Citra. There were about 50 farmers, researchers and students present at the event and a variety of speakers covering topics relating to the grape and winery industry. Participants …
Elderberry Grows in Popularity Due to Health Benefits
By Maegan Beatty Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) is a fruit crop that is suitable for both commercial and home growing. In April, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted an orchard field day, where Dave Jarnagin of Hyldemoer and Company gave an educational presentation on the elderberry and elderflower. Elderberries are native to North America but …