“EVERYONE KNOWS that land without water isn’t worth much.” That was the sentiment of Tony Toso, a California Farm Bureau Federation director, rancher, and professional agricultural land appraiser, in a 2014 article about ground water rights. No matter the locale of the farm or the crop being grown, access to water is of the utmost …
THE END OF APRIL marks the beginning of watermelon harvest season in Central Florida, and for growers like Andy McDonald, it’s especially sweet. That’s because McDonald double crops, planting the watermelon seedlings in his Plant City strawberry fields. McDonald takes advantage of any lull in strawberry picking in early February to place the plants into …
Harvest time: Double cropping — a watermelon season preview Read More »
WATER IS THE BIGGEST long-term challenge facing Florida. And that is exactly why I have implored all Floridians, including the general public, legislators and the media, to take seriously the more than one-billion-gallon-per-day shortfall Florida will face by 2030 if we do nothing.
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 …
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 …
| CFAN August/September 2013 Web Exclusive Feature | A lot of people today use smartphones and mobile app technology to have up-to-date information right at their fingertips, but not every profession, Clyde Fraisse notes, has been quick to embrace these advances. For one thing, even though there are now smartphone apps specifically made for rural …
@griTech: Using Smartphone Apps for Better Irrigation Practices Read More »
Florida’s future depends on access to a reliable supply of fresh water. While we’re surrounded by seas and receive abundant rainfall, in some regions during certain times of the year, we are using water faster than Mother Nature can provide it. As our population continues to grow — this year we will surpass New York …
Commissioner’s AgriCorner: Water conservation and resources update Read More »
A decade ago, Rich Budell notes, a GPS device wasn’t all that common. Times, he added, have definitely changed. “Everybody has one in their car now,” Budell says. But if a Global Positioning Satellite device has become a widely popular tool, it isn’t just motorists looking for the right directions to an unknown destination who …
@griTech: Tools Used on the Farm that Promote Precision and Conservation Read More »
January 2013 has definitely started out warmer than past years. This burst of temperate weather has altered the way many of the bushes and trees around Central Florida are behaving. This month we will discuss how you may need to adjust the way you care for your plants this year.
It’s hard to believe that we have already reached our final gardening tips for the year. If you have kept up with our suggestions and properly cared for your lawn and garden throughout the year, they should be looking nice and healthy. Here are just a few more tips to ensure your outdoor areas look …
