Citrus Psyllid Spray Schedule Advice and IPM Research Ongoing

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General

In these two reports, timely comments from University of Florida entomologist Phil Stansly who works out of UF’s Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, FL. In the first report, Stansly offers some of the latest recommendations for spray scheduling for controlling the citrus psyllid. In both reports, Stansly discusses concerns and progress being made in Integrated Pest Management …

EQIP Makes Conservation Painless

Randall Weiseman Florida, USDA-NRCS

With all the recent talk about water conservation, converting your old traveling gun irrigation system to a center pivot is one way you can do your part. Mark Garrett, shop manager of Kirkland Sod in New Smyrna Beach says that thanks to the Florida NRCS EQIP program the process is relatively painless.

BMP’s for Pest Management in Vegetable Crops

Gary Cooper Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

This information, and this vegetable BMP document (click here) come to us from Gene McAvoy, County Extension Director and Regional Vegetable Agent IV in Hendry County, FL: This report summarizes the discussion and subsequent general Best Management Practice (BMP)recommendations of research and Extension vegetable entomologists and crop consultants from primary vegetable-producing states. During a meeting held in May 2008 in …

Florida Farm Bureau Announces Staff Appointments

Gary Cooper Florida, General

(Gainesville, Fla.) – John L. Hoblick, president of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF), has announced the appointment of Frankie Hall as director of the Agricultural Policy Division, Adam Basford as national affairs coordinator and Andrew Walmsley as an assistant director of the Agricultural Policy Division.

Good Time at 14th Annual Highlands Citrus Growers “Fun Shoot”

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

Highlands County Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA) hosted hundreds of growers and industry people at its 14th annual “Fun Shoot” this weekend at Quail Creek Plantation near Okeechobee. A beautiful day for fun and fellowship and plenty of both were had by all. AND what a FEAST! These photos are but a sample of the surf & turf meal that also …

Beef Board Meetings at Annual Convention

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Beef, Cattle, Florida, Georgia

Cattle producers from across the Southeast and the nation are encouraged to attend the 2009 Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show in Phoenix in late January. During the meeting, Cattlemen’s Beef Board members will review and evaluate checkoff-funded programs along with reviewing recommendations for possible improvements to the checkoff.

2nd Citrus Dept Long Range Planning Committee Mtg “Laborious”

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General

In this report, AgNet’s Ernie Neff (photo left) catches up with Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Ben Albritton Jr (photo right) to discuss the progress of the Long Range Planning Committee that has been appointed to help strategize for the future of the Citrus Department and the Florida Citrus Industry. Apparently from the comments, the facilitator for these meetings is really …

Regional Fruit and Veggie Conference Jan 9-11 in Savannah GA

Gary Cooper Alabama, Florida, General, Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

In this report, more details about this upcoming regional fruit and vegetable conference from Charles Hall of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (GFVGA). GFVGA organizes and hosts this conference each year, and it has become a major meeting of fruit and vegetable interests from throughout the southeastern U. S. Find more information on the conference, its agenda and …