As summer sets in, the ag community is coming alive with learning opportunities. Here are some events to add to your calendar. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with additional opportunities that we’ll post as they come in.
Citrus Grower Forum
June 21, 11 a.m.
UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred
Dr. Brian Thompson, CEO of Elemental Enzymes, will discuss how Vismax peptide technology evolved from the lab to a grower-ready product. Free to attend. Lunch will be provided by Nutrien. Pre-register by June 16 at growerforum06212023.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Chris Oswalt, UF/IFAS Multi-County Citrus Agent, at wcoswalt@ufl.edu.
Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo
August 16-17
Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa
This event is billed as the world’s premier seminar and trade program for the citrus industry. Previously held in North Fort Myers, the event will be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds this year and will feature a trade show and general session seminars that will address labor and water management issues, among many other topics. Register at citrusexpo.net/registration/
Landowners Assistance Expo 2023
Tuesday, June 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center Auditorium, Sebring
Landowners in DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola and Polk counties are invited to participate in conversations related to technical assistance, cost-share opportunities, conservation easements, and the financial implications of each program. Outreach representatives will be on hand to provide brief overviews of local, state, federal and non-governmental programs and receive feedback from attendees. To register, go to: https://bit.ly/3Cgnnhp
For more information, contact April DaSilva at 863-534-7130 Ext. 129 or adasilva@cfrpc.org.
Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference 2023
June 14-16
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Bonita Springs
Florida Citrus Mutual has planned a great conference that will include informative educational sessions with continuing education credits and a number of industry meetings for growers and associated partners to participate in. There will also be a number of fellowship events, including the return of the Citrus Scramble Golf Tournament, to enjoy and this is an extremely family friendly event and venue. To learn more or register for the 2023 Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference, visit flcitrusmutual.com/florida-citrus-industry-annual-conference/.
Florida Blueberry Growers Association Summer grower Meetings
July 12 — Hardee County, Hardee County IFAS Extension Office
July 14 — Lake County, Lake County IFAS Extension Office
July 19 — Polk County, Polk County IFAS Extension Office
July 21 — Alachua County, Alachua County IFAS Extension Office
Drs. Phil Harmon, Peter Dittmar, Oscar Liburd, Gerardo Nunez, and Jeff Williamson will discuss herbicides, leaf rust management, fungicide selection, use of hydrogen cyanamide, blueberry nitrogen nutrition and chilli thrip management. Learn more at floridablueberrygrowers.org.