When Hurricane Idalia barreled through the Big Bend region of Florida, Mike Allen was stuck in Gainesville, watching a beloved facility get slammed by storm surge while The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore reported from the facility’s second-story patio. Once the rain stopped and the wind subsided after the storm rushed through on Aug. 30, University of Florida Institute of Food …
In Comparison: Hurricane Idalia Financial Impact Less Than Ian, Irma
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Idalia’s financial impact on Florida is less than similar storms that have impacted the state; like Irma (2017) and Ian (2022). But that does not lessen the toll felt by specialty crop producers when the storm moved through North Florida a little less than a month ago. Christa Court, assistant professor in the food and resource …
UF/IFAS MREC Looks for Growth Under New Leadership
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) has a new director, and it is a win for Florida’s ornamental horticulture industry. Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS, talked about the appointment of Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski, previously the associate center director at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education …
UF/IFAS Research: Muscadine Grapes Get New Recipe for Success from Specialists
Florida’s native grape, the muscadine, has long held a reputation for being an acquired taste. Juicy and sweet with a leathery, thick skin and bitter seeds, the grape is typically reserved for specialty stores and wine making. Not only are these grapes delicious – they’re also a superfood, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The challenge was getting consumers to …
Hurricane Idalia: UF Economists Estimate Florida Agricultural Production Losses Top $78M
Early reports from agricultural operations in Florida’s Big Bend region indicate production losses caused by Hurricane Idalia fall in an estimated range of $78.8 million to $370.9 million, according to University of Florida (UF) economists. An estimated 3 million acres of agricultural lands were in the storm’s path, including row crops like peanuts and cotton, dairy and poultry farms, aquaculture …
Guava Root-Knot Nematodes Threat to Florida Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson Guava root-knot nematodes are still the most threatening species to impact Florida tomatoes every year. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) specialist believes an integrated management approach remains the best management tactic. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida, …
A Year Later: Southwest Florida Recovering from Ian with Help of UF/IFAS Extension
In the year since Hurricane Ian unleashed its fury on Southwest Florida, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agents have helped communities in their long road to recovery. What was left in the path of the hurricane’s 150 mph winds and flooding rain? How about damaged crops, eroded beaches, downed trees and power lines, property …
Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference, Trade Show Scheduled for Oct. 25
By Clint Thompson Blueberry producers should mark their calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the significance of the meeting this fall and why producers and industry …