Brewers, Craft Beer Enthusiasts Reap Flavor of UF Hops Research

Clint Thompson Florida

As you watch workers use chainsaws to cut down the bines of hop cones for this year’s fall harvest, you can almost sense the craft beer the hops will eventually produce. Last week, scientists at the University of Florida (UF) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), hosted about 50 brewers from across the state for the Fall Hops Field …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Caterpillar Numbers Vary

Clint Thompson Florida

Caterpillar numbers vary across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Beet armyworms are observed to be low to moderate in the last two weeks in tomato and pepper in central Florida. Melon worms are at moderate levels in squash fields, while there are low levels of loopers in tomatoes. Worm populations have increased over the …

Alabama Pumpkin Farmer: Best Crop We’ve Ever Had

Clint Thompson Alabama

By Clint Thompson Pumpkins are not meant to be consistently produced in the South. So, when Alabama farmer John Aplin experiences a bountiful harvest like this season, all he can do is thank the Good Lord above. “I know in bad years when we’ve got tons of rain, I know what happened and why they went south. On a good …

From Corn Mazes to Pumpkin Patches, Find Fall Agritourism in South Carolina

Jim Rogers Events, South Carolina

As the weather cools, farms across South Carolina are welcoming visitors onto their farms with a variety of fun and educational fall events. “Agritourism continues to grow in South Carolina, and fall is a perfect time for people to get out and experience it,” said Jackie Moore, agritourism marketing specialist at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and director of …

South Florida Leaders to Honor Miami-Dade County Farmers Month at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center

Jim Rogers Events, Florida

On Nov. 4, South Florida leaders and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences will commemorate Miami-Dade County Farmers Month during the 9th annual One Night in the Tropics. This premier philanthropic event will pay homage to those who harvest the fields of food that feed our communities. At the same time, it will raise funds for the University …

USDA Announces October Lending Rates for Producers

Jim Rogers Industry News Release, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for October. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. Interest rates for Operating and Ownership …

Registration Open for 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention

Jim Rogers Events

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has announced that general registration is open for the 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention. The convention will be held Jan. 19-24, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. “New Frontiers” is the theme of AFBF’s 105th consecutive convention, a “can’t miss” event that offers attendees unique insights on the policies and perspectives that will affect …

Hurricane Season Not Over: Future Storms Could Develop in Gulf

Jim Rogers Weather

By Clint Thompson Hurricane peak season has come and gone, but that does not mean future storms this fall are out of the question. In fact, specialty crop growers should be mindful that potential storms are now more likely to originate in the Gulf Mexico this time of year, which would not provide ample time for producers in Florida, Georgia …