FLORIDA’S FARMERS, growers, and ranchers increasingly are changing up and adding to the mix of the crops they produce, the livestock they raise and the forage they provide. Some call it agricultural diversification. Some call it alternative farming. Many call it smart business.
Expert lending advice for diversification or alternative farming Read More »
More than just a symbol of hope, growers keep up the fight against citrus greening THE ROUNDUP of news on the most recent harvesting season is in keeping with the citrus forecast’s unsteady tempo of up-and-down, down-and-up — but with the steady “can-do” attitude of growers. Things can get better, industry leaders say — but
Annual citrus report 2015 Read More »
IT’S RARE TODAY to read an article or column about Florida citrus without seeing a reference to citrus greening (Huanglongbing, or HLB), the tree disease that has seriously compromised citrus production all across the state since it was first found in Florida, near Homestead, in August 2005.
Facing the threat of greening Read More »
FLORIDA GROWERS just harvested the smallest orange crop in nearly 50 years, and all because of a tiny insect that spreads an incurable disease. Citrus greening (a.k.a., Huanglongbing or HLB), a bacterial disease spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, is an existential threat to Florida’s signature crop. Trees infected with citrus greening produce fruit that
ALTHOUGH SUMMER is when most Florida citrus growers take a collective sigh of relief after the harvest season, it’s still a busy time for the industry, and it’s one where farmers should pay close attention to irrigation and water usage. Since citrus harvesting is at its end, it’s time to start preparation for next season’s
Summertime for citrus: Your irrigation check-up Read More »
BLUEBERRY GROWERS in eight more Florida counties are now eligible to purchase insurance through the federal government for the blueberry crop that will come to harvest in 2016. The announcement came July 8 in a memo from Brandon C. Willis, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).
Eight more Florida counties now eligible for blueberry crop insurance Read More »
In the business realm of blueberries, experiences vary THIS WAS A PRETTY GOOD YEAR to be in the Florida blueberry business, industry insiders say, with fairly cooperative weather, a long season, and fair pricing. Dudley Calfee, a grower and president of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, reports that the latest numbers show the state harvest
Growers grapple with unique encounters amidst a good harvest Read More »
SUMMER IS A BUSY time for Florida blueberry growers, and it’s one where growers should pay close attention to irrigation and water usage. Since berry picking is over, plants are pruned to encourage important new growth that will carry next year’s berries. It’s a crucial time for water management, according to a study conducted by
Summer irrigation checkup Read More »
WELCOME TO the Annual Blueberry Roundup edition of Central Florida Ag News! As a Florida blueberry grower myself, this edition has personal meaning to me. Some of the experiences of growers that you’ll be reading about hit pretty close to home for me, but it’s also true that every grower’s experience — for every season
Publisher Letter: Your Blueberry Roundup edition Read More »
Rob Harper and Land South Group donate 70 head of zebu cattle for Polk County students to learn the ropes of showing steer EDUCATION IN AGRICULTURE isn’t just about book learning. It’s often more about getting your fingers in the soil, your hands on the tractor wheel, and your arms around livestock. It’s more about
Lending a hand to local schools Read More »
