Futurist Lowell Catlett WOWS FL Fert & Ag Chem Mtg

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Florida Fertilizer and AgriChemical Association celebrated its 75th anniversary this week at the annual summer meeting in Naples. A real treat on the program was to hear popular futurist and professor of ag economics at New Mexico State University, Dr Lowell Catlett. Hear some interesting comments in these reports. And remember citrus growers, to pre-register for Citrus Expo to be …

FL Fruit Fly Find, Brazilian Crop #’s and More Citrus Headlines

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, International, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Several headline tidbits for Florida citrus and specialty crop growers in the two reports below, including basic facts available about a fruit fly find in the Tampa Bay area this week, and citrus crop expectations being reported out of Brazil as growers in South America begin their harvest season. Report (2:00 mp3) Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides …

Int’l Symposium in Orlando To Address Precision Ag

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, International, Vegetables

University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred will host an International Symposium on Applications for Precision Agriculture in Fruits and Vegetables next January 6-9 in Orlando. Hear more details in this report, and find lots more about the program at this link (pdf file) Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term …

Sugar for Ethanol

Randall Weiseman Sugar

The House Ag Committee’s proposed farm bill would allow U.S. growers to sell cane and beet sugar for use in making ethanol. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025

Produce Safety Research Needs

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The need for increased research into food safety for fresh produce is critical for producers, according to Dr. Martha Roberts who testified recent congressional hearing on behalf of the Florida Tomato Exchange. Report (1:30 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts …

Picking Watermelon

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Specialty Crops

2006 National Watermelon Queen Candice Fralish of Alabama offers some advice on how to choose ripe and tasty watermelon. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025

Collapsing Colonies

Randall Weiseman General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

During a recent speech to introduce the new US postal service pollinator stamps, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns talked about the importance of honey bees, how Colony Collapse Disorder is affecting bees in 35 states, and what USDA is doing about it. Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …

The Perfect Strawberry Plant

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops

A Maryland berry breeder thinks he has found the perfect strawberry plant – with single-bladed leaves, dozens of single-flowered trusses, each holding one berry – all ripening at the same time. Read more from the University of Maryland. Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober …

Young Farmer Produce Leader

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Erin Hanas Archey of Oviedo, an economic analyst for A. Duda & Sons, Inc. and a member of Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Group, has been named to the 13th Produce Industry Leadership Class by United Fresh Produce Association. Read release from Florida Farm Bureau. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term …

Valent Select Max for Leafy Greens

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Valent USA Corporation has announced a new registration for its Select Max Herbicide to be used on pulse crops such as dry beans and peas, as well as other specialty crops like asparagus and leafy greens. Report (1:30 mp3) Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida …