Fiddle-Leaf Figs are an Evergreen Ornamental “In” Plant to Have

Dan Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

One of the top-selling houseplants known for it’s style in magazines and hotel lobbies. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Native to West African lowland rain forests, fiddle-leaf figs are an evergreen ornamental also known as banjo fig or lyre leaf tree. You can grow them outdoors if you live in the right climate, but they are more …

Crop Dumping by Mexico Targeted by Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried

Dan Exports/Imports, Field Crops, Florida, Fruits, Hemp, Herbs, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Trade, Vegetables

Concerns about crop dumping have been a refrain in the state since shortly after the North American Free Trade Agreement was approved more than a quarter century ago. (TALLAHASSEE/August 30, 2021) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried on Monday urged people to purchase Florida-grown blueberries, strawberries and other produce to help counter what she described as “unfair foreign trade practices” by …

Growing One of the Tastiest Tropical Fruits on the Planet

Dan Fruits, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

What you need to know about growing one of the tastiest tropical fruits on the planet. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Mangosteen is also known as the Queen of tropical fruits. It’s native in many countries, but in the United States, you will find it in Florida and Hawaii. It has amazing flavor, is slightly acidic, and the …

Safety Tips for Flying Drones Offered by UF/IFAS Researchers

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Dairy, Field Crops, Forestry, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, Technology

Some people view drones as toys, but they can be dangerous. In fact, about 1,000 people per year are injured from using drones incorrectly. To address the potential peril, two University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are offering ways to keep people from getting hurt while using drones. For legal advice on personal injury related to …

Some Ways to Increase Your Eggplant Harvest

Dan This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Some ways to increase your eggplant harvest. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.  There are many ways to increase your eggplant harvest and grow huge plants. Avoid planting your eggplant seedlings too early. These plants grow best when they’re in warm conditions. And since these plants have broad leaves, these seedlings grow quickly. One trick to speed up their growth …

Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers Updated by USDA

Dan Coronavirus, Economy, Livestock, Poultry, Specialty Crops

USDA Sets October 12 Deadline for CFAP 2 (WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2021) —The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19, is part …

Problems and Solutions When Growing Artichokes

Dan Pest/Pest Control, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Some problems and solutions when growing your own artichokes at home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.  Artichoke seedlings are particularly susceptible to disease, and unless you’re taking proper care to sanitize tools and supplies, you may end up with limp, lifeless seedlings due to damping off. Slugs are a common issue for fragile young artichoke plants and are …

Shipments of Plant-Based Proteins to Pizza Restaurants up 56 Percent

Dan Field Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops

Pizza has repeatedly ranked in the top foods ordered at U.S. restaurants. According to The NPD Group, in the quarter ending June 2021, there were 1.2 billion servings of pizza ordered, up four percent from the same quarter last year. But, units of plant-based protein and ingredients shipped from foodservice distributors to pizza operators increased by 56 percent in the …