There is no controlling the weather, but in today’s Florida agricultural landscape, farmers and growers are actively testing ways to have power over what they can. We use the latest tactics to protect the investment we’ve put so much into throughout our careers.
One of the techniques being used is planting trees next to certain crops; these are known as windbreaks. As I traveled through the Dakotas recently, I noticed a considerable amount of fields bordered with tight-set tall trees to dampen the wind’s destruction on the plains. They are now becoming increasingly popular in the Florida agricultural community for several reasons. In the past several years, the use of windbreaks have increased to ensure the health, safety, and longevity of certain crops. This is an uncomplicated and effective way to lessen the chance for loss and destruction due to high winds that often can sweep across our area.
Benefits from windbreaks include a reduction of irrigation and/or evaporation loss, improvement of nutrient retention, deterrent to soil loss, protect crops from wind abrasion, and they can act as a partial filter for diseases or pests like citrus canker and psyllids. So, evaluate your land and see if implementing windbreaks can help save you money and stress.
CREDIT
column by BRAD WEIHRAUCH
BIO: Brad Weihrauch is a Polk County native. He grew up around a family business of agriculture and customer service. After Winter Haven High School, he went on to complete his education at Polk Community College and Warner Southern College. After serving 17 years in customer service for a large retailer, Weihrauch returned to his agriculture roots and founded RWC, an agri-service and management company, in 2002.
