Deep Southeast Braces for Cold…Again

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables, Weather

Similar to a couple weeks ago, there are lots of indicators that very cold temperatures will again visit an already freeze weary winter fruit and vegetable production region. By the way, an important reminder for growers sent to us from Ray Royce at Highlands County Citrus Growers Association – Remember to properly record all pumpage for frost or freeze protection …

FL Impacts from Jan 21-23 Crop Freeze Become Clearer

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

In this report, some detailed comments from a leading sugar and vegetable farmer in the Belle Glade, FL area, about crop impacts from last week’s freeze event, now that enough time has passed to really determine the damages. Meanwhile, there is lots of talk around the farm sector in Florida again in recent days that another cold snap could hit …

Congressman Putnam Surveys FL Ag Freeze Damage 1st Hand

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

Early today Central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam surveyed a citrus grove and strawberry field and discussed last week’s freeze with Florida agricultural leaders. In our interview with Putnam shortly after, he says it was a good opportunity to educate mainstream media in town for the Super Bowl about agriculture and how different crops can experience different damages depending on crop …

Citrus Crop Update Change & More on Freeze Impact Surveys

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

In these two reports more comments about freeze damage assessments still underway in Florida’s fruit, vegetable and specialty crops. THe first report features Andrew Meadows, spokesman for Florida Citrus Mutual. The second report features Florida Farm Bureau Director of Ag Policy, Frankie Hall. Also in the first report, information about a date change for the upcoming February update for the …

USDA News About Florida Wednesday Night Freeze

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

The nation’s eyes are on its winter fruit and vegetable crops in Florida. The “Sunshine State” is the major U S producer of many tender fresh vegetables this time of year. When it freezes in Florida agriculture people nationwide pay attention as evidenced by these two reports by USDA’s radio team. These reports feature USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, who we …

FDACS: Florida Agricultural Producers Assess Freeze Damage

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

Here is the official news release following the Wednesday night freeze this week from the Florida Department of Agriculture – Emergency Order in effect to help speed harvest and transport of crops – TALLAHASSEE (FDACS)– Agricultural producers as far south as Lake Okeechobee are assessing crop damage caused by the frigid temperatures of the past two nights. Seventy million citrus …

More FL Agriculture Follow Up From Wednesday Night Freeze

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

More news about the big chill mid-week as citrus growers continue to assess damage throughout the state’s citrus belt. We are getting many reports of surprise the temperatures got as low as they did for as long as they did, particularly as far south as freezing temperatures dipped, but it will still be several days before more accurate citrus damage …