Central Florida Ag News June 2023

On the Cover

Last year’s hurricanes dampened the 2023 blueberry harvest yields for many, but Florida growers remain positive as they regroup for next year. We spoke with growers from around the state to learn how they fared for the season. Read more on page 10.

8 WE HAVE A WINNER

Peyton Chandley is no stranger to the ag industry, and now she’s getting an unexpected boost that brings her even closer to her career goals thanks to the American National CattleWomen Foundation. The group selected Chandley, granddaughter of ANCW member Marcia Lightsey, as one of two scholarship recipients.

12

THE FUTURE OF FARMING IS HERE

Growers recently got a glimpse of the latest in farm equipment technology during a demonstration of what is billed as the world’s first fully electric, driver-optional, AI-connected tractor. In May, Monarch held a demonstration of its MK-V tractor at Polkdale Farms, a 70-acre blueberry farm in Auburndale.

14 RED, WHITE, AND BLUEBERRIES: THE AMERICAN DREAM

Herman Castro has spent all his life working in agriculture. Born in Guatemala and raised in Mexico, he and his wife spent years picking fruit around the country, but the Castros weren’t satisfied with simply working the fields. They had a bigger dream of owning their own blueberry farm.

18 GOING FOR THE GREEN

Mitch McLellan tried his hand at growing citrus in Polk County during the past few years, only to realize that the greening disease has made that enterprise fruitless and unprofitable. Now, the Frostproof grower has turned his attention to another crop — avocados.

PUBLISHER

Nelson Kirkland

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica McDonald

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Cinda Shelby

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Tyler DiGiovine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paul Catala, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Brad Buck, Stella Canfield, Dr. Scott Angle, Michele Trice, Ryan Milejczak, Julie Gmitter

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Baxter Troutman, Mike Roberts, Dr. Katie Hennessy, Scott Thompson, Phillip Rucks

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Wilson, UF//IFAS

CONTRIBUTING ARTIST

Dawn Lewandowski

DELIVERY

A Good Year in the Legislature

LET’S FACE IT: Politics are always a mixed bag. There are always hot-button topics that prove difficult to navigate, but when the good outweighs the bad like it overwhelmingly did in this 2023 Florida Legislative session, I’d call that a win.

An estimated 1,700 bills were filed, only roughly 300 of which passed. Fortunately, the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered some home runs for Florida ag at a time when the industry was long overdue for some good news.

To start with, the creation of the Florida Farm TEAM (Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials) Card cut through the bureaucratic barriers that made it so difficult for growers to make taxexempt purchases. It also finally brought the entire process into the 20th century, replacing cumbersome paper processes with technology. That bill included even more benefits for

the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which was placed in charge of developing the state’s aquaculture industry. In addition, lawmakers:

• Agreed to pour $49.5 million into the citrus industry to aid research, infrastructure, and replanting.

• Restricted foreign ownership of agricultural land, something Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson has been very open about supporting.

• Stopped counties from levying special assessments on agricultural land unless it is explicitly for debt service.

• Increased the estimated value threshold that requires two appraisals to be conducted for a conservation easement from $1 million to $5 million.

• Allotted $100 million in the Land Acquisition Trust Fund for the Rural and Family Lands

Protection Program.

• Dedicated $4 million for the Land Acquisition Trust Fund to restore public and private lands.

It’s heartening to know that growers’ and ranchers’ voices are being heard in Tallahassee and beyond. ag

The Future Is in the Research

• New greening-tolerant rootstocks and varieties now available

• Largest screened commercial citrus nurser y in the US

• DNA tested true-to-type citrus varieties and rootstocks available

• Now contracting for 2023-2024

PEACHES

• Licensed grower of low chill peaches on Flordaguard and MP-29 rootstocks

• Low chill varieties ideal for central and south Florida climates

• Licensed for new released varieties

• Now contracting for 2023-2024

While the news cycle reaction to the announced May citrus forecast focused on the numbers, there was an underlying sentiment about the future impact this season may have on the citrus industry.

In a statement about the citrus forecast, Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shepp noted that the “(c)urrent crop forecast numbers serve as a testament to the impact of our industry’s hardships but cannot convey the future potential of cutting-edge research.”

The cutting-edge research is the key, particularly as it relates to genetic editing and modification.

Science noted that “genetic engineering technologies o er a series of alternative approaches that allow overcoming the limitations conventional breeding programs.”

by Phillip Rucks

According to a 2019 article in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers found that “due to some of the biological characteristics of citrus, conventional breeding methods have demonstrated limitations to producing new citrus cultivars with an improved resistance to diseases.” Genetic engineering, they said, including transgenic or genome-editing technologies, can be methods of choice to overcome the limitations posed by traditional breeding and have made it possible to protect susceptible commercial cultivars against pathogens, Genetic modification research has played a role in the fight against greening since it first appeared. It is now beginning to play a larger role. Researchers not only at the University of Florida, but around the world are working on transforming citrus. A 2021 article published in Frontiers in Plant

One method focuses on genome editing. The complete genome sequence of several citrus species as well as advances in technologies such as CRISPR genome editing (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) could be applied to create citrus that could counteract the e ects of HLB. Yet while genome editing holds some fascination and somewhat broad support worldwide, there is a relatively long lead time to get from an edited cell to a mature tree.

Another method involves genetic engineering. According to a 2022 Genetic Literacy Project article by Steve Savage, there are research programs being pursued by the University of Florida, Texas A&M, Purdue, the University of California and the USDA that involves identifying genes for antimicrobial peptides to counteract the HLB organism. These genes would become a part of the tree genome or be placed in the tree with the help of a benign version of a common citrus virus, according to the research. There are still many diverse strategies to strengthen, protect, and increase yield including water management, nutrition, protective screening, breeding, pest management and rootstocks. All of these have an important place. However, the future is in the advanced research.

• Hardy versatile tree that can grow nearly 40 ft in three years

• Provides crop protection from wind and disease

• Reduces soil loss, nutrition loss, agricultural chemical drift and irrigation loss

• Now contracting for 2023-2024

Completely Renewable

• Produces shoots and trunks yearly no need to replant every year

• Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees

• The newest superfood, the shoots are rich in nutrients- especially proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fiber and is low in fat and sugar, and gluten free.

Columns

5 THE FUTURE IS IN THE RESEARCH

While the news cycle reaction to the announced May citrus forecast focused on the numbers, there was an underlying sentiment about the future impact this season may have on the citrus industry. Cutting-edge research is key, particularly as it relates to genetic editing and modification.

11 WHICH INJURIES REQUIRE A VET?

Horses will always find a way to injure themselves, so it’s important to provide a safe environment and have a well-stocked first aid kit. The correct supplies will allow you to perform “triage” until your veterinarian arrives. Critical areas that need assessment and treatment as soon as possible are deep lacerations, wounds near a joint, and eyeballs.

17 IT’S TIME FOR A TREES-IN-THEGROUND CAMPAIGN

In military campaigns the only way to achieve total victory is with “boots on the ground.” For the Florida citrus industry’s ongoing battle against HLB though, it’s “trees in the ground.” Technology can be wonderful; however, all the advances we’ve made will be for naught if the industry does not initiate and maintain a robust treeplanting effort. If the Florida citrus industry is to exist in the future as anything other than a token presence, we must find a way to move from a defensive posture to an offensive attack.

19 WHEN DREAMERS BECOME DOERS

If you talk to just about anyone in the ag industry, you’ll likely learn they own or manage a small business. In fact, 97 percent of all U.S. farms are family-owned. Small businesses are part of the lifeblood of Florida agriculture. That’s why UF/IFAS offers the Ag Entrepreneurship Program, which is taking place this June, August, and October.

22 CANOPY ASSIST PROGRAM LETS GROWERS TRACK PROGRESS

If you’re a Florida citrus grower using treatments like gibberellic acid (GA), oxytetracycline injections, and/or intense nutrient management programs to improve the health and yields of your citrus trees, then consider using the Canopy Assist program. Developed by the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, Canopy Assist helps growers to gauge whether the treatments they are using are having a positive impact on citrus tree health and yields.

FARM TO TABLE NETWORKING EVENT

Visit Central Florida invites you to attend this important networking event where farmers, producers, restaurants and other culinary industry people will come together to meet, mingle and discuss ways to work more closely together to make Polk County a true farm to table destination.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

8:30am-10am

Harmony Haven Event Center 6320 US-98, Bartow, FL 33830

Breakfast will be provided to all attendees

president’s column

Greetings!

We recently held our Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon, where we heard an overview of Florida Farm Bureau’s legislative priorities throughout the 2023 session and enjoyed great dialog with members of our Polk Legislative Delegation. We are blessed in Polk agriculture to enjoy relationships with our delegation members that allow for the effective exchange of ideas. Our thanks to all who attended and participated in this annual event. A special thanks to the Legislative Wrap-Up sponsors: Central Florida Development Council, Farm Credit of Central Florida, and The Mosaic Company.

The State FFA Convention will take place June 19 – 23 in Orlando. Polk County Farm Bureau congratulates all Polk and Florida FFA students on their accomplishments and sends our wishes for an exciting and productive convention experience.

The Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference and Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention also take place in June, and I know many of us are looking forward to attending those events.

The Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference will be held July 7 – 9 in Orlando with a “Growing Forward” programming theme that will offer great break-out session education opportunities, competitions, and networking activities.

Summer is also the time when Florida Farm Bureau hosts its Advisory Committee meetings to discuss policy development that will guide the FFBF state board on issues important to agriculture producers statewide. Polk County Farm Bureau members serve on the Apiculture, Aquaculture, Beef, Budget/Economy, Citrus, Fruit & Vegetable, Labor, Trade, Water & Natural Resources, and Oversight Committees. We thank these members for their time in service on these vital committees.

Polk students are encouraged to begin their preparations for the Polk County Farm Bureau Annual Speech Contest scheduled for August 22 at 40 p.m. This year’s theme is “How have supply chain issues impacted Florida agriculture?” The speech packet and application can be found at www. floridafarmbureau.org or email SarahT@pcfb.org. Applications are due to PCFB by 5 p.m., Friday, August 18.

Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of your Farm Bureau membership benefits this summer! To review a list of benefits, visit www.floridafarmbureau.org or download the Florida Farm Bureau app from your app store. Have a great Fourth of July with your family!

We Have a Winner!

American National CattleWomen Foundation Names Peyton Chandley as 1 of 2 Scholarship Recipients

by JULIE GMITTER

PPEYTON CHANDLEY is no stranger to the ag industry, and now she’s getting an unexpected boost that brings her even closer to her career goals thanks to the American National CattleWomen Foundation.

Each year, the foundation offers two $1,000 scholarships to collegiate members who are daughters, granddaughters, or nieces of current members and majoring in an ag-related field. This year, out of nine applicants, the group selected Chandley of Lake Wales as one of the scholarship recipients. The other winner is Jewel Thompson of Opelika, Ala.

Chandley is the granddaughter of ANCW member Marcia Lightsey.

Most of the funds donated have been invested with the dividends and interest going to scholarships and educational programs. Since 1992, more than $50,000 in scholarships have been applied to college tuition for the winning beef ambassadors. Educational and leadership programs at ANCW conventions also qualify for support from the Foundation.

Chandley’s family runs a beef cattle operation in Central Florida, and Chandley herself is an eighth-generation cattlewoman. As such, she has been involved in agriculture, specifically the beef cattle industry, for her entire life. In 2022, she was selected to represent Polk County as the 20222023 Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart.

“My family has deep roots in American cattle ranching. Agriculture is where I know my occupation will reside, and bridging the gap between producers and consumers is on my agenda.”

In the fall, Chandley will be starting her third year at the University of Florida College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gainesville. She attends school full-time and lives on campus. She is majoring in agricultural communications and minoring in Management and Sales in Agribusiness. She expects to graduate in 2025.

Kristy Lage, president of the American National CattleWomen Foundation, explains that “Peyton was selected for a multitude of reasons. She is an outstanding student involved in several agricultural programs and projects, displaying leadership and dedication to the beef industry!”

As for Chandley’s future plans, although she is not exactly sure what endeavors she will take on after graduation, she knows for certain that she wants to stay in the agriculture industry, one way or another.

“Agriculture is such an essential industry for both the state of Florida and our nation,” she says. “The beef industry is one that I call home. I am so grateful for organizations like ANCW that are willing to support students like me in the field.”

Congratulations, Peyton!

For more information about the ANCW Foundation, visit ancw.org/foundation. ag

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE: FLORIDA CANTALOUPE RIPE FOR THE PICKING

When it comes to summer soirees with family and friends, there are few hors d’oeuvres as refreshing as a platter piled high with pieces of fruit from Florida. Served fresh from the fridge, the juicy bites of watermelon and chilled grapes are always a tasty treat. As we load our plates with nature’s sweetest treats, let’s not overlook the unsung hero of the festive fruit dish – the cantaloupe.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Though the term “cantaloupe” is now commonly used in the U.S. to refer to the cucurbit muskmelon, or Cucumis melo var. reticulatus, fruit experts would refer to C. melo var. cantalupensis as the “real” cantaloupe. Those are the European variety of the melon, which are very similar to our familiar muskmelon cantaloupes, though a bit sweeter in flavor.

The muskmelon/cantaloupes that are grown in Florida are well adapted to dry conditions, though they do require consistent moisture to produce an acceptable yield. These melons thrive in the heat and sunshine, especially in a fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy or silt loam soil. The soil in Central Florida, where the state’s cantaloupe production is concentrated, is generally perfect, as long as the nutrients of the soil are balanced. Too much nitrogen can have a negative impact on the quality of the fruit produced.

You’ll find fresh cantaloupe in Florida markets from April to June. The mellow melons are grown primarily in Central Florida and in the panhandle. They often come from farms that are better known for other crops. In Hillsborough County, for example, strawberry growers may opt to produce cantaloupe after clearing out the year’s strawberry harvest. Several varieties of cantaloupe are cultivated in Florida, including Ambrosia, Athena, Honey Rock, Galia, and Minnesota Midget.

CANTALOUPE BY THE NUMBERS

Nationwide, Americans consume about 6.1 pounds of cantaloupe annually (according to the Agriculture Marketing Resource Center, 2019), out of 24 pounds of total melons consumed every year. The value of the United States’ cantaloupe production in 2021 was

$295.73 million.

In Florida, cantaloupe is grouped with other melons, vegetables, and berries, and as of 2020 was ranked 12th in value within that group. Of nearly 200,000 acres of vegetables and melons harvested in Florida in 2021, cantaloupe accounted for 1,500 of those acres.

FUN FACTS ABOUT CANTALOUPE

• Cantaloupe derives its name from Cantalupo, Italy, where the melon was reportedly first produced in the papal gardens.

• The plants usually produce ripe fruit about 75 to 100 days after planting.

• A ripe, uncut cantaloupe will stay fresh for about seven to 10 days, while the cut melon will last for roughly three to five days when stored in the refrigerator.

• Cantaloupe is a delicious source of vitamin C and potassium, making the fruit great for helping to maintain a proper balance of fluids in the body, while also lowering blood pressure and easing muscle cramps.

• As members of the Cucurbitaceae family, cantaloupes are closely related to cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and watermelon, meaning they also grow on vines.

• What we know as “cantaloupe” was originally named “muskmelon” due to the musky aroma given off by the ripe fruits.

• In other parts of the world, cantaloupe is referred to as rockmelon, spanspek, and sweet melon.

Now that you know a little more about this humble yet versatile melon, be sure to pick up some Florida fresh cantaloupe on your next grocery trip! Try tossing some chunks in the blender with vanilla ice cream and a splash of orange juice for a refreshing summer smoothie.

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

FINANCING THE FUTURE

Farm Credit of Central Florida is an Agricultural Credit Association. We provide financing for Farms, Homes & Land across 13 counties in Central Florida. We have offices in Lakeland Plant City, Brooksville, and Apopka. For more information check out our website.

2023 Blueberry Roundup

Hurricanes Made This Year’s Harvest a Trying Time for Some Growers

by PAUL CATALA

DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS, Florida’s blueberry harvests weren’t great, but they weren’t necessarily bad either. About 21 million to 21.5 million pounds were harvested from the 2021 and 2022 seasons on Florida’s approximately 5,500 acres of blueberry farmland.

But for the 2023 season, from the start of March through early May, it was a bit more dreary as only 15.66 million pounds of blueberries were harvested from Florida farms – down about 5.8 million pounds.

There are about 900 blueberry farms across Florida that employ approximately 2,500 workers and generate an annual economic impact of about $295 million.

Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS Blueberry Extension Coordinator, says the lower harvest numbers are significant but not severe. He says a number of blueberry farms in South Florida reported lower numbers due to Hurricane Ian, which ravaged southwest Florida farms in late September of 2022.

“That was probably, in my opinion, a large part in the reduction of total pounds harvested across the state,” he says.

Phillips, who has spent more than five years with the IFAS research center in Balm, says growers in North and Central Florida had good seasons, though some reported that freezing temperatures right before Christmas delayed fruit ripening.

“Other than that, I think that most of the growers in the central or northern part of the state production-wise had decent

seasons,” he adds.

Florida growers typically face stiffer competition as a result of Mexico importing blueberries into the U.S. at the same time as Florida’s early market window. Additionally, Georgia begins to add volume to the market toward the end of that window. Phillips says Georgia berries came into the market earlier than usual this season because that state didn’t experience any March freeze events.

As in the previous three to four Florida blueberry seasons, Florida producers had been challenged by increasing production costs. Labor rates have increased by 16 percent in some instances for harvesting crews in addition to a 50 percent increase in fertilizer costs. Because consumers tend to buy less at higher prices, grower profit margins are getting squeezed.

But that hasn’t hampered growth in the state’s blueberry industry. Over the past 20 years, more than 5,200 acres of land have been dedicated to growing blueberries, making Florida eighth in the country in terms of production, according to IFAS. Florida has the first U.S.- produced blueberries to reach the domestic market and most of the state’s blueberry farms are

found in Hendry, Alachua, and Putnam counties, in addition to some in the Panhandle.

In Central Florida — primarily Polk, Orange, Pasco, Hernando, and Hillsborough counties – blueberry acreage adds up to approximately 30 percent of Florida’s total blueberry acreage.

Farther south, Jason Carlton of River Valley Farms in Arcadia says the 2022 hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Ian, severely impacted his farm and its 45 acres. He says his farm’s proximity to the storm’s landfall didn’t help.

“We were heavily impacted by the hurricane; it came right over our farm. We were probably down 70 percent from last year in crop because of it. It’s been a pretty rough year for us,” says Carlton, who is in his second year of growing blueberries. “I think growers were impacted the closer they were to the storm.”

Looking ahead to the 2024 blueberry season, Carlton says he’s already hedged and planted new varieties and “everything looks great,” although he adds he’s still hoping to get some state and federal disaster relief for his blueberry operation.

“We’re glad this past season is behind us,” he says. “Everything’s coming back green and looking pretty. We’re optimistic for next sea-

WHICH INJURIES REQUIRE A VET?

HORSES WILL ALWAYS find a way to injure themselves, so it’s important to provide a safe environment and have a well-stocked first aid kit. The correct supplies will allow you to perform “triage” until your veterinarian arrives.

Critical areas that need assessment and treatment as soon as possible are deep lacerations, wounds near a joint, and eyeballs. If your horse has a minor skin scrape, you might be fine treating it yourself. Superficial skin scrapes and wounds are generally easy to clean and can be managed by you. If you have an established relationship with your veterinarian, you may be able to snap a quick picture and get some advice.

son.”

From her office in Gainesville, Brittany Lee, former executive director of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, says despite the late hurricanes and freezing temperatures, the blueberry industry remained focused on fruit quality, harvesting, and — most importantly — “delivering a safe, healthy product to our consumers.”

Lee, vice president of Florida Blue Farms — a 112-acre blueberry farm in Waldo near Gainesville — and a member of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, says she hopes favorable weather will help boost production for the 2024 blueberry season. She says the state’s blueberry growers provide jobs and promote trade while focusing on protecting the state’s environment and natural resources. In 2024, she says growers and association members will continue to modernize operations and work closely with the IFAS blueberry breeding program to cultivate and release new blueberry varieties.

“We will reclaim our position to lead the spring marketplace with the first domestic blueberries available to U.S. consumers,” she says. ag

When treating wounds there are a few things to consider. Foreign objects in a wound should not be removed until your veterinarian has been alerted. This is particularly important in deep puncture wounds to the chest or abdomen. If a horse steps on a nail, do not pull it out. If it is not all the way in the foot, cut the nail at the entry site. Puncture wounds of the feet need radiographs to determine which structures have been affected. Experience and knowledge of anatomy are needed when significant injuries occur. Minor lacerations can be cleaned gently with saline solution. If they are actively bleeding, then apply a pressure bandage to slow the bleeding. Bandages should be left in place until your veterinarian arrives to avoid disrupting a clot or distressing the horse.

When it comes to creams and sprays, don’t apply anything to the wound until it has been assessed by your veterinarian. It is difficult to evaluate and suture a wound that is covered in these products.

Horses are always looking for the next best way to injure themselves. While we love them, they are flight animals and don’t always think before they act. Regularly check your horse’s stall/paddock/pasture for sharp objects, obstacles, corners, loose boards, trash that may have blown into the area and damage that can cause them to become injured.

by DR. KATIE HENNESSY

, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Katie Hennessy graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 with a degree in large animal health and equine medicine. She completed an advanced internship at The Equine Medical Center of Ocala and is currently the owner and practicing veterinarian at Polk Equine. Her expertise ranges from small and exotic creatures to large animals, specializing in equine medicine.

This column is sponsored by Polk Equine

provided by CHANDLER CRAFT

“We’re glad this past season is behind us. Everything’s coming back green and looking pretty. We’re optimistic for next season.”

— Jason Carlton, River Valley Farms, Arcadia

The Future of Farming Is Here

Autonomous Electric Monarch Tractor Brings the Latest Advancements to the Fields

by PAUL CATALA photos provided by MONARCH

GGROWERS RECENTLY GOT A GLIMPSE of the latest in farm equipment technology during a demonstration of what is billed as the world’s first fully electric, driver-optional, AI-connected tractor.

In early May, Monarch held a demonstration of its MK-V tractor at Polkdale Farms, a 70-acre blueberry farm in Auburndale.

The demonstration drew roughly 100 people — including growers, municipal representatives, and potential Monarch dealers from Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, and South Carolina — who were interested in learning more about the future of farming.

Since the start of its development six years ago, the momentum in utilizing autonomous technology like what’s found on a Monarch tractor continues to grow. Monarch just recently moved the tractor’s production from the company’s California home base to a new, nearly 6.2-million-square-foot facility in Warren, Ohio. That move partners Monarch with the world’s largest electronic manufacturer, Hon Hai Tech-

nology, in the production of the roughly $89,000 tractor.

Some of the hopes riding on the Monarch tractor include maximized profits, reduced emissions, elevated safety, and better business.

During the demonstration, the Monarch tractor autonomously navigated through blueberry fields at Polkdale Farms, maneuvering between rows and around bushes.

Blueberry grower and Polk County Commissioner Bill Braswell, who owns Polkdale Farms, is well aware of the expenses associated with farming in Florida. Because labor is such a big part of those expenses, his interest was piqued when he heard about the MK-V a couple of years ago at a demonstration in Salem, Oregon.

Braswell says he’s always looking for ways to cut down on labor and fuel costs to stay compet-

itive with other growers, and part of his reason for hosting the demonstration luncheon was to help Monarch open a dealership in Florida.

In the U.S., as immigration laws and the pandemic have resulted in a dwindling agricultural labor force, the cost of finding tractor operators continues to rise; it now costs about $30 an hour for each tractor driver.

Additionally, the average age of an American farmer is 57 and future generations of potential farmers are moving out of rural areas and abandoning family farms. While gas prices continue to rise, farm machinery has become more expensive to run, forcing small farms to shut down. Technology such as the MK-V can help offset that end result.

Braswell says the technological sophistication of the MK-V is remarkable.

“It just goes, you know, nobody’s on it – it’s just weird looking,” he says. “As soon as I saw it, I knew that was the future of agriculture and I wanted to be a part of it.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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Red, White, and Blueberries

From Migrant Workers to Farm Owners: Castro Family Is Proof of the American Dream

by RYAN MILEJCZAK

HHERMAN CASTRO has spent all his life working in agriculture. Born in Guatemala and raised in Mexico, he spent years working in sugarcane fields before coming to the United States. Over the years, he worked in orange and grapefruit groves in Florida, as well as in blueberry fields in New Jersey.

It was there in those blueberry fields that Herman first met his wife, Yolanda, originally from Veracruz, Mexico. One day, she joined his crew for a day in the blueberry field, and for Herman, it was love at first sight. Not long after, they were happily married.

The two spent years working picking fruit around the country, but the Castros weren’t satisfied with simply working the fields. They had a bigger dream.

One day, after hours of hard work, Herman sat on the sidewalk, exhausted. He knew he wanted more, and in that moment, he was inspired to pray. He asked for the one thing he wanted most in the world: a simple, 2-acre blueberry farm.

In 2021, the Castro family was finally able to make that dream a reality. They opened Castro Farms LLC, and started their first blueberry farm in Winter Haven. And although Herman only asked for 2 acres, he was able to secure 12

acres for the farm. Before long, business was booming.

Why blueberries?

Yolanda has a simple answer: “Because Herman has always had an obsession with blueberries.” This keen interest, coupled with his experience, put him in the perfect position to start the farm.

The couple love their life working the farm. Yolanda describes working on the farm as “pure freedom and pure air.”

“Working in the fields is wonderful,” she says. “You don’t feel stuck, you feel completely free.” In fact, in Yolanda’s own words, when it comes to time spent working on the farm, “we feel completely at home.”

Thanks to their success, the Castros have been able to open a second 5-acre farm in Bartow, and the business is continuing to grow. One of the many who’ve noticed the success of Castro Farms is Dr. Gerard Krewer, professor emeritus at University of Georgia who specializes in small

fruit and blueberries.

“In all my years as a fruit specialist, grower, and consultant, I’ve never seen a migrant worker buy a farm. It’s unheard of,” Krewer says. He goes on to add, “Now they have the blueberry farm, [and] their dream has come true.”

So what’s the secret to their success? As they put it, “Unity is power, and our family works together as a single unit.” And indeed, Castro Farms is a family effort.

In addition to Yolanda and Herman, their children Lucero, Carmen, Cindy, and Herman Jr. also help out on the farm. While their children have all grown up, graduated college, and started careers of their own, they still find time for the family business.

Lucero Carrillo-Moctezuma, the eldest daughter, spends Monday through Friday working for the state in Public Safety. Then, every Friday after she leaves the office, she heads straight to the farm. There, she’s in charge of distribution and communicating with vendors to ensure every last blueberry gets sold.

“For us, it’s been an honor to make our dream a reality,” she says of her family’s success. “I feel so proud of my parents and everything they’ve done and continue doing for our family. My parents are an example for everyone. I admire them so much, and value all their efforts to give the best to me and my siblings.”

As Yolanda puts it, “The American Dream does exist.” Indeed, the Castros are proof that,

with hard work, achieving the American Dream really is possible.

While the Castros have seen much success, this is only the beginning for them.

“People always ask me,” recounts Herman, “‘Why do you keep working so hard when you already have [so much success]?’ And I tell them, ‘because I want my family to triumph.’”

The Castros have big hopes for the future of their farm. Recently, they’ve added a u-pick section to their Winter Haven farm, and in the future, they hope to start packing their own fruit, as well as selling it at Publix.

Krewer sees a great deal of potential in u-pick programs like these. “There’s about 22 million people now in Florida, so there’s potential for u-pick sales,” he says, “There’s no reason we can’t have lots and lots of blueberry farms around these urban centers.”

The Castros have high hopes for the Florida blueberry industry.

“It’s going to be even better,” Herman says. Krewer agrees with this assessment. “I feel very optimistic about the Florida blueberry industry,” he says. “Despite being sort of pressured on both ends, early and late, we still have one of the best market windows in the country.” ag

Our Passion

FROM THE DESK OF Dr. Angle

J. Scott Angle jangle@ufl.edu @IFAS_VP

New UF President Aims to Make Florida the Silicon Valley of Agriculture

THE NEW UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA president knows a great deal about agriculture. I took him to Hillsborough County this month to get him up to speed on Florida agriculture and how UF/IFAS supports it.

When Dr. Ben Sasse arrived in Florida to become UF’s 13th president in February, he brought with him a 40-plus year history with

farming that goes back to “walking beans” as a 7-year-old.

As a U.S. senator, he led an agriculture subcommittee. As an author, he explained to a rancher to put 400 pounds on a cow in four months for the economics to pencil out. As a dad, he sent his daughter away to a ranch to learn how to coil barbed wire and drive a tractor.

The takeaway from his visit to Hillsborough is that his vision is aligned with that of UF/ IFAS. President Sasse had telegraphed this vision in May when he chose the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences for his very first UF commencement address. He told the graduates: “Our world needs a Silicon Valley of agriculture, and we want to make sure that that’s in Florida,

Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

Dr. Ben Sasse, UF President photo by CAT WOFFORD, UF/IFAS

built by you….”

I took him to where we’re building a key part of it, the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm. We talked about the plan to build a Center for Applied AI in Agriculture. The visit confirmed his view that in agriculture, Florida is the future.

Buildings won’t make this happen, though. People will. So I was pleased to introduce President Sasse to the people who are working to make the Tampa area a hub of agricultural technology.

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson was with us nearly every step of the way on our two-day tour that included a cattle ranch in Manatee County and research fields in Immokalee in addition to the tour of GCREC.

At GCREC, longtime Hillsborough County ag leader Kenneth Parker was a de facto tour guide.

And a who’s who of Florida agriculture leadership converged on GCREC on a Saturday to show that even with 300 commodities, the Florida agriculture community speaks with remarkable coherence and consistency. Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb Smith, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner, and Florida Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Jim Handley were among those President Sasse met.

He also met new UF/IFAS faculty members Dana Choi and Kevin Wang, hired for their expertise in artificial intelligence. They demonstrated how they’re applying

IT’S TIME FOR A TREES-IN-THEGROUND CAMPAIGN

IN MILITARY CAMPAIGNS the only way to achieve total victory is with “boots on the ground.”

For the Florida citrus industry’s ongoing battle against HLB though, it’s “trees in the ground.”

Technology can be wonderful; however, all the advances we’ve made will be for naught if the industry does not initiate and maintain a robust tree-planting effort. If the Florida citrus industry is to exist in the future as anything other than a token presence, we must find a way to move from a defensive posture to an offensive attack. It is just that simple.

We are currently losing market share to other countries and critical support infrastructure that has taken generations to build and cannot be easily replaced.

One of the most effective tools to accomplish this is a good tree-planting cost share program.

These programs can be very effective. Some private industry group programs, such as Florida Natural’s TAP programs, were straightforward, focused, could be implemented quickly, and were user-friendly.

The monetary contributions could be recouped as these trees came into production, and they helped provide the continuous support of jobs and revenue.

technology in ways that save growers labor, money and environmental impact. GCREC’s Nathan Boyd showed him a smart sprayer that applies chemicals only to weeds, not to the crop, and how he is helping drive an ethic among faculty that goes beyond innovation to commercialization—getting tech tools into growers’ hands.

It was an opportunity for President Sasse to see that scientists, elected leaders and producers are allied in this quest to keep Florida farmers in business with innovation that gives them an edge in a competitive global market.

President Sasse has a personal interest in the future of food. He was accompanied on the tour by his 12-year-old son Breck, who picked tomatoes, injected a citrus trunk and worked the controls of a robot.

President Sasse sees value in agriculture beyond feeding people. It’s a way to make them better human beings. He believes strongly in developing a culture of selfreliance, the kind you find on farms. In fact, his book, The Vanishing American Adult, is focused on the need to do so.

I don’t know if that means he’ll be looking for a farm to send Breck to. But as a dad, he’s thinking about his son’s future, and as a university president, he’s thinking about yours. ag

Other programs have not gone so well. There’s an old saying that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” This applies to some of these programs, especially when government funds are involved.

Although these programs start with good intentions, often the tail ends up wagging the dog. Many growers will not attempt these programs because of the logjam of bureaucratic red tape. These growers — as well as the supporting businesses — are too busy trying to keep their head above water, measuring their economic viability in months. They don’t have time to jump through hoops for a year (or more).

These programs must be streamlined, user friendly, and should be deployed quickly. They should be designed as a participant recruitment drive instead of an obstacle course where only a few reach the finish line.

Tamara Wood and her leadership team have done a great job running the current CRAFT programs, effectively avoiding these bureaucratic pitfalls.

We should take a hard look at what works instead of trying to chop wood with a rubber ax. There are tenacious people in the industry — some with generations of knowledge and skill — who are combining these talents with new innovations and open minds.

by SCOTT THOMPSON

New technologies such as Tree Defender IPCs and CUPS can grow trees into production free of HLB. These are big steps in their own right; but there are many advancements on the horizon. These technologies can put “trees in the ground” and help turn the battle to save Florida citrus.

This column is sponsored by Tree Defender, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Scott Thompson is co-founder of Tree Defender, Radical Ag-Tech, and Care Planet Technologies. He is a Central Florida native with a background in agribusiness, food manufacturing, and bioscience.

Breck Sasse, 12, inserts an OTC-injection device into the drill hole in a young citrus tree.

Going for the Green

Frostproof Grower Trades Citrus for Avocados

by TERESA SCHIFFER

photos by MICHAEL WILSON

Avocados require warm weather to flourish. Currently, avocados are commercially grown mainly in Florida’s Miami-Dade and Collier counties.

McLellan has a long history in agriculture, though he’s relatively new to growing crops. He was a cattle rancher in Plant City for years until he says Hillsborough County stopped incentivizing agricultural endeavors like his. That prompted McLellan to move to Frostproof and try his hand at growing citrus.

Four years of growing citrus was enough to show McLellan how challenging that is for Central Florida grove owners these days.

“The first year, I lost 10 percent, and replanted. The second year, I lost 20 percent – all due to greening. I replanted. The third year, I lost 30 percent. It just kept increasing by 10 percent

every year. Then the hurricane came along, and the hurricane eliminated 70 percent,” McLellan says of his frustrated efforts to enter the citrus industry. “The last year I picked fruit off the citrus trees, I had a whopping $100 return.”

That’s when he visited the specialists at the University of Florida to get some advice. He talked to Luis Rodriguez Rosado, the UF/IFAS Small Farms and Pesticide Education Extension Agent for Polk County. Rodriguez Rosado listed a number of suggestions for possible crops that McLellan might have more success with, but the one that stuck with McLellan was avocados.

McLellan then went down to Homestead and Miami to do some firsthand research talking with avocado growers in South Florida. He learned that out of about 30 varieties of avocados, there are nine grown commercially, and

only three that are suitable for Central Florida.

“Avocados have been in Florida since 1833. They are in the evergreen family, and are a berry,” McLellan explains. “The avocados that grow in this area are Choquette, Oro Negro, which is the black avocado you see in the grocery store, and the Monroe. I chose the Choquette because it is a late fruit but it produces more pounds per tree than any of the rest of them.”

On June 6, McLellan hosted a field day on his Frostproof farm as 700 avocado trees were planted on 6.5 acres that border Lake Clinch. Warm air from the lake seems to prevent hard freezes in the immediate surroundings, giving McLellan confidence that his fledgling avocado grove will thrive.

“Three years after I plant, I will start harvesting fruit,” explains McLellan. “These plants I’m getting will be almost a year old. They already tried to bloom one time, so we extracted the bloom off. We extract the bloom off for three years, and in the fourth year you allow them to

Mitch and Tommie McLellan

MMITCH McLELLAN is determined to blaze a trail out of the quagmire of doom that has beset Central Florida growers thanks to the unending ravages of citrus greening. He holds as his beacon of hope another crop – avocado.

produce fruit.”

This is done in order to increase the trees’ production in future years. Allowing the trees to produce fruit in those first few years will result in stunted growth and decrease their yield in subsequent years.

“You’ll get about four bushels of fruit per tree, and each bushel will weigh about 30 pounds. So you’ll get about 120 to 130 pounds of fruit per tree,” McLellan says. “Right now, if you have fruit to sell, you get about $1.50 per pound. You go to the grocery store and get a nice, big avocado, it will cost you about 3 bucks.”

Growing avocados requires some patience and monetary investment while the trees mature. McLellan has invested about $18,000 so far in setting up the grove and purchasing trees, but the next few years will require additional investments to nurture the young trees until they reach a point of maturity.

“For six years you won’t get a return because you’ll be paying off all your fertilizer and herbicides and everything for the first three years. In the fifth to sixth year you’re supposed to start making money,” he projects.

McLellan sees avocados as an excellent and profitable replacement for the

citrus that has been on a steady decline in recent years. He urges citrus growers in the region to observe the example he is setting and consider making the switch themselves. ag

WHEN DREAMERS BECOME DOERS

IF YOU TALK to just about anyone in the ag industry, you’ll likely learn they own or manage a small business. I, too, am a self-professed entrepreneur. We’re not 9-to-5 people; small business is a 24-7 commitment.

In fact, did you know that 97 percent of all U.S. farms are family-owned? Small businesses are part of the lifeblood of Florida agriculture. Because of their close involvement with the community, UF/IFAS Extension agents often field questions from individuals interested in starting their own farm- or agrelated business.

That’s why UF/IFAS developed its Ag Entrepreneurship Program. Since it was started in 2018, the program has exploded, and it’s been expanded to include three individual workshops.

According to UF/IFAS, “each workshop starts with a twoweek online course that includes recorded presentations, case study videos, worksheets, and a discussion forum where workshop members can ask questions of the workshop leaders and network with each other.”

This year’s workshops take place June 16-30, August 10-24, and October 13-27.

Each workshop delves into key fundamentals of ag business. This year, the main topics include:

• June Session: Starting a Farm. Basics of starting a farm business, including assessing goals, financial preparedness, regulations, and other fine print.

• August Session: Farm Business Planning. A closer look at research, marketing, operations, and risk management.

• October Session: Marketing for Your Small Farm. Business plan implementation, promotional strategies, and avenues for selling to consumers.

The best part is you can sign up for one or more of the workshops.

You’re no doubt familiar with the saying, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” Well, programs like this help you do that! The ag community is full of self-starters who have been where you are — in the dream stage. They may be answering emails at 11:30 at night and falling asleep with their boots still on, but that smile on their face is genuine.

As the founder of multiple businesses, including Labor Solutions, Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch, Chop-NBlock, and F1 Meat Co., I’ll be the first to say that starting your own business is challenging. I’ll also be the first to say that outside of raising children, it’s one of the most rewarding ventures you can make.

by BAXTER TROUTMAN

Learn more about the workshops at ifas-ag-entrepreneurship.catalog.instructure.com.

This column is sponsored by Labor Solutions, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing company with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Arcadia, and Plant City. You also can visit his Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch online at www.DH-LR.com. A cattle rancher and citrus grower who served in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of today’s farmer.

Arturo Gonzalez, left, Tommie McLellan, center, and Mitch McLellan perform the first ceremonial planting of a Choquette avocado tree in Frostproof.

JUNE–JULY 2023 CALENDAR

JUNE 5 – JULY 28

KIDS & CANINES SUMMER CAMP

JUNE 3, 10, 17, AND 24,

JULY 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29

DOWNTOWN LAKELAND FARMERS CURB MARKET

This vibrant, eclectic market brings the community together every Saturday in Downtown Lakeland with fresh, local produce, live plants, and a variety of hot foods and handcrafted wares. It is located on the 200 block of N Kentucky Ave in Lakeland from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Saturday (except in August) and is a production of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). Learn more at www. downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org.

JUNE 3, 10, 17, AND 24,

JULY 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29

GRADY GOAT YOGA TAMPA BAY

Every Saturday from 10 – 11:30 a.m., Grady Goat Farm hosts a fun and relaxing yoga class featuring their famous goats. Tickets are $37 for each attendee. This delightful event benefits Project G.O.A.T. (Global Offensive Against Trafficking), a charity that works to protect children. Grady Goat Farm is located at 12551 Franklin Rd in Thonotosassa. Learn about this incredible farm and all that they do by visiting their website at www.gradygoat.org.

JUNE

10 AND 24, JULY 8 AND 22 DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET IN LAKE WALES

The Lake Wales Downtown Farmer’s Market is sponsored by Lake Wales Main Street and takes place every second and fourth Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 20 N Market St in Lake Wales. This producer-only market specializes in locally grown, pesticide-free produce and plants, baked goods, local honey, Florida grove pepper sauces, cheeses, award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs, homemade jams and jellies, natural pet treats, plus a ton of crafts, clothing, and jewelry. For more information, you can contact Lynn Greenfield at (863) 676-8782 or visit www.lwmainstreet.com/farmers-market.

Kids ages 9 through 14 can have a blast learning how to care for and train their family’s dog from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at one of these week-long sessions for $225. In addition to canine training, care, and grooming activities, there will also be guest speakers, arts and crafts, and games to play. The camp will be held at 13525 Hwy 301 N in Thonotosassa. Sign up online at www.weblink. donorperfect.com/CampRegistration, or email Info@kidsandcanines.org

JUNE 12 – JULY 21 • CRITTER CAMP

This is a fun summer camp designed for students with lots of activities, including animal interactions, crafts, games, guest speakers, and service projects. It will be held at SPCA Florida Education Building, 5850 Brannen Rd S in Lakeland. The cost is $250 per week and space is limited, so sign up now at www. spcaflorida.org/crittercamp.

JUNE 3, 10, 17, AND 24, JULY 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29

SATURDAY NIGHT RODEO

This fun, family-friendly rodeo takes place every Saturday through the end of November from 7:30 –9:30 p.m. at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, located at 3200 River Ranch Blvd in River Ranch. Enjoy the antics of cowpokes and bronco busters as they show off their skills trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more. Kids are invited into the rodeo arena toward the end of the night to participate in a real “calf scramble.” Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 5 – 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. For more information, please visit www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/ florida/river-ranch/westgate-river-ranch-resort/ activities/rodeo/.

JUNE 16 – 18

VIRTUAL FISHING DERBY

Go fishing between Friday and Sunday and take photos of what you catch, then share your best picture on Facebook with the tag @ PolkCountyParksandRecreation. Three random photos will be chosen to win a fishing box from Polk County Parks and Recreation! One entry is allowed per family, and the photo must show a fish or fishing gear.

JUNE 23 • YOUTH ALLIGATOR HUNT – POLK COUNTY/LAKE KISSIMMEE

Teens ages 14 – 17 have the opportunity to engage in a safe, mentored hunt while learning about marksmanship and firearm safety, tracking and processing game, how to hunt safely, legally, and ethically, and the relationship between hunting and conservation. Participants must show proof of completing the Hunter Safety Course and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The excitement starts at 3 p.m. at Grape Hammock Camp Ground/Lake Kissimmee, 1400 Grape Hammock Rd in Lake Wales. For more information on this and other events presented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, please visit www. outreach.myfwc.com/events/.

JUNE 18

FATHER’S DAY AT THE GARDENS

Bok Tower Gardens is offering free admission to all fathers on this day. Enjoy a Carillon Concert at 1 or 3 p.m. at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales. For more information on events offered, please visit www. boktowergardens.org/events/.

JUNE 24 • FIRE ON THE LAKE, CHILI COOK-OFF AND JEEP RALLY

Get in your Jeep and head to Camp Mack, located at 14900 Camp Mack Rd in Lake Wales, for a fantastic day of camaraderie and chili! Enter your team in the Chili Cook-Off or show off your homemade salsa. For complete rules and regulations, information, and to enter the competition, please go to www.campmack.com.

JUNE 24 • ROCK FOR PAWS

Come out to Bonnet Springs Park Event Center at 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd in Lakeland from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. and go “Back to the ‘80s” – with big hair, spandex, leg warmers, neon shades, and parachute pants! There will be amazing food, a cash bar, concert T-shirts, and lots of dancing. Proceeds will benefit the SPCA. For more information, please go to www.spcaflorida.org/rock-for-paws.

JULY 9 • EXPLORE THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF TROPICAL FRUITS

From 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Alexander Discovery Center at Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales, you can sample delectable fruits from the tropics while learning from experts about the edible plants that can be cultivated in Central Florida. It is $10 for members of Bok Tower Gardens to attend this event, and $27 for non-members. Registration is required, which can be done at www. boktowergardens.org/event/explore-the-wonderfulworld-of-tropical-fruits/.

JUNE 23 – 26

DIRT

DAYS VIRTUAL EVENT

Take your dirt bike out to Bone Valley ATV Park at 10427 County Road 630 W in Mulberry and enjoy some fun in the mud. When you’re done, take your best after-ride photo with dirty/muddy gear and tag @BoneValleyATVPark for a chance to win awesome free prizes!

JUNE 26 – JULY 28

TENOROC YOUTH CONSERVATION CENTER SUMMER CAMP

The new Tenoroc Youth Conservation Center located at 3760 Tenoroc Mine Rd in Lakeland is hosting four weeks of day camp for kids ages 8 – 14. Explore the natural world while kayaking, fishing, learning archery, and more. Campers will receive fishing rod and tackle, a t-shirt, and a camp water bottle included with the $120 per week fee. For more information and registration, please go to www. fyccn.org/tenoroc-youth-conservation-center-3/ or email Callie.Shaffer@MyFWC.com.

JULY 12 •

FLORIDA’S WILDLIFE: LIVING WITH SNAKES (WEBINAR)

UF/IFAS Extension Faculty member, Shannon Carnevale, will explain the value of snakes in our local ecosystems and how we can coexist together safely. The free online lesson will take place from 12 – 1 p.m. Register by going to the Upcoming Events page at www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/.

JULY 19 •

BIOBLITZING:

LEVERAGING COMMUNITY SCIENCE TECHNIQUES FOR LAND MANAGEMENT

An immersive, two-day program designed for local land managers, biologists, non-profits, and NGOs who want to engage their communities in biodiversity conservation. This will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The second session will be held on September 27. For complete details, please go to www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ polk/ under the Upcoming Events tab.

CANOPY ASSIST PROGRAM LETS

GROWERS TRACK PROGRESS

IF YOU’RE A FLORIDA CITRUS GROWER using treatments like gibberellic acid (GA), oxytetracycline injections, and/ or intense nutrient management programs to improve the health and yields of your citrus trees, then consider using the Canopy Assist program. Developed by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), Canopy Assist helps growers to gauge whether the treatments they are using are having a positive impact on citrus tree health and yields.

DETAILS ON THE CANOPY ASSIST PROGRAM

UF/IFAS CREC maintains that the program is based on the correlation between the density of a tree’s canopy and yields. Essentially, a citrus tree with a dense canopy is a healthy tree that also produces higher yields. The program uses technology to measure the tree’s canopy before, during, and after treatments to detect an increase in the canopy. This allows growers using the program to evaluate the changing health of their trees and determine if the treatments are worth their costs or not.

The program includes taking pictures on a smart phone with a selfie stick. The process includes:

1. The grower takes four pictures of the tree’s canopy, one at each of the tree’s four corners with a camera phone on a selfie stick, from the ground looking up into the canopy.

2. The grower uploads the pictures into the UF/IFAS Canopy Assist database.

3. UF/IFAS CREC researchers analyze the canopy coverage and provide a report using special software that separates the canopy from the sky behind it and determines the percentage of canopy coverage of each photo. The percentage determines whether the tree is healthy or sick.

4. Growers take the same photos during and after treatments to track if the percentage of canopy coverage is increasing or not.

NEWSAgri

New Study Discovers Human Interaction May Reduce Calves’ Stress During Important Life Stage by

STELLA CANFIELD, UF/IFAS correspondent

IN A NEW STUDY published in the journal JDS Communications, scientists at the University of Florida have discovered that human interaction with calves helps to reduce abnormal oral behaviors and increase rest during early life.

the pen and spend five minutes scratching the calf on certain days following feeding.

After six months of data collection, the study found individually housed calves performed more abnormal oral behavior than pair housed calves, but human contact reduced it. The results also showed that, regardless of whether the calves were housed individually or in pairs, human presence increased the amount of time calves laid down after feeding — suggesting a calming effect.

by MIKE ROBERTS

The program essentially measures an increase (or lack thereof) in the canopy coverage percentages of the citrus trees as the treatments progress. UF/IFAS CREC maintain that growers must photograph at least five trees per block to extrapolate the data concerning treatment effectiveness for the entire grove, but recommend that “the more trees, the better.” Similarly, trees that are chosen should be chosen randomly or be those that “represent the block.” Lastly, those with the Canopy Assist program recommend April–May and October–November as the best times to analyze trees using the program. You can learn more about the Canopy Assist program at crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/canopy-assist/.

or of its advertisers.

As part of an ongoing effort to enhance dairy cows’ lifelong welfare, this research is related to a previous study looking at how housing young calves in pairs and larger social groups may allow them to develop better social skills and produce more milk as a cow later in life. Building off these aims, this latest study sought to learn whether human contact provided additional complexities and enrichment in dairy calves’ environment during weaning.

The weaning period is a stage in which calves’ milk intake is decreased to encourage them to start eating more solid foods like grain and hay. However, for most calves, the weaning period is very stressful as they’re limited in their milk consumption. As a result, many calves start to exhibit abnormal oral behaviors like sucking on pen fixtures or other calves.

“Calves are naturally motivated to suck because it’s how they consume their milk. However, calves can start doing this a lot if their environment is restrictive or if they’re hungry and stressed. When this happens, we call that behavior abnormal,” says Emily Miller-Cushon, lead investigator of the study and an associate professor in the UF/IFAS department of animal sciences.

In the study, 14 individual calves and 14 pairs of calves were followed for the first eight weeks of life until the weaning period began. Once weaning started, a human would enter

“It could be some effect of scratching and tactile stimulation, or it could just be the novelty and interest the calf had,” says Miller-Cushon. “But either way, having a human in the pen redirected calves from some of these abnormal oral behaviors.”

With this knowledge, researchers can better understand the role human interaction plays in calves’ overall well-being.

“These findings indicate that more complex environments and calf stimulation are beneficial when it comes to reducing abnormal behaviors and enhancing their lifelong welfare, including their health, performance, emotional state and socialization,” Miller-Cushon explains.

In other words, a little bit of social contact, whether from humans or other calves, goes a long way to reducing stress in these animals.

These insights may also help dairy farmers. Protocols for reducing milk gradually are the most important consideration for calf welfare during weaning. However, dairy farmers may also be able to devote a few extra minutes to scratch a calf’s neck or provide extra stimulation to reduce stress during weaning. ag

This column is sponsored by Griffin Fertilizer Co., and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN

BIO: Mike Roberts is the Vice President of the Frostproof, Florida-based Griffin Fertilizer Co. Roberts joined the company in November 2011. He has spent the majority of his career in the fertilizer/agchem industry. Roberts earned a Bachelor of Science degree in citrus production from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. For more information, visit griffinfertilizer.com.

“Nothing Runs Like a Deere”

We are looking for mechanics to join our team. As a John Deere mechanic, you’ll provide solutions every day with the latest technology while working on engines, systems and equipment.

On-the-job training is available, and so are advancement opportunities. If you’ve got a strong work ethic, are team-oriented and want to support some of this country ’s most important industries, our John Deere dealership

The Future of Farming Is Here

continued from page 12

“I wanted to see it work on my farm, and it did everything I expected it to. I wanted to share the information with other growers in the state.”

Braswell says the Monarch tractor is capable of mowing, pulling a sprayer, a tiller or anything that runs off a power takeoff shaft and takes five to six hours to fully charge using an 80-amp charger.

The demonstration showed how the tractor’s cameras can take video from several angles to give farmers the ability to closely monitor their crops. The AI function can communicate with the farmer if the MK-V encounters some kind of obstruction, like a large rock or an animal.

“It’s got a lot of uses for us. I know a lot of farmers in Florida,” Braswell says, “and I wanted them to know this isn’t in a science fiction book, it’s really here and now.” ag

get better at protecting our environment.

Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.

®

With every generation, we

“It’s got a lot of uses for us. I know a lot of farmers in Florida, and I wanted them to know this isn’t in a science fiction book, it’s really here and now.”

— Bill Braswell, blueberry grower

Join the Quest for the Perfect Watermelon

by GRACE HIRDES

Have you ever craved a nice, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day only to cut open a flavorless, dry watermelon? Oh, the disappointment! That’s why we’ve decided to share a few tips to help you identify some of the indicators that can help you determine what a watermelon will taste like before you ever open it. Take a peek at the following tips to help you pick the perfect watermelon.

Stripes

Believe it or not, the color of your watermelon can help indicate how ripe it will be. You will want a watermelon with a strong, consistent stripe pattern, but be sure not to choose one that is super shiny as it is likely to be underripe.

Field Spot

If you want good quality in a watermelon, look for a large, discolored spot on the surface, this is known as a field spot and shows where the watermelon sat on the ground as it ripened. If the field spot is creamy yellow or near orange, you’ll have a flavorful watermelon. If the spot is white or light colored, you’ll most likely have a watermelon that lacks flavor.

Stem

Not all watermelons in the store still have the stem attached. If you do manage to find one with it still attached, look for a dry and yellow/brown color. This will tell you that the watermelon had plenty of time to ripen and mature on the vine, meaning it should be full of flavor and sweetness. If the stem is still green, your watermelon may lack flavor.

Knock, Knock

You may get a weird look or two by following this tip in the store, but try knocking on your watermelon. If you hear a deep, hollow sound, you’ll likely have a riper, more juicy fruit. If the pitch is higher, it means the rind is too thick and the fruit has not fully ripened.

Spots

If you see a dry, weathered spot or a veinlike line, these are great indicators that your watermelon will be extra sweet as these spots are from sugar seeping out of the fruit in the field. Therefore, be sure to check all sides of your melon before you decide which one to purchase.

Weight

It’s important to get hands-on with your inspection! Pick up the watermelons and choose the one that is the heaviest for its size. The denser it is, the higher the juice content and the sweeter the watermelon.

Shape

Look for a watermelon that is round and evenly shaped as this indicates that your fruit will be more sweet. If you choose one that is more oval in shape and has irregular lumps, you’ll have one that is less sweet and more watery.

Season

Last but not least, buy your fruit when it is in season. Local farmers markets are a great way to find the freshest fruits that are in season. For watermelon, you can expect the best fruit between May and September.

Now head to your local grocery store or farmers market and put these tips to the test!

Recipe Spotlight

The Wild Side of Watermelon

Uses for the Sweet Fruit Go Far Beyond the Dessert Tray

by CAROL CORLEY

WWE CAN ALL PICTURE that cute toddler taking a big bite from a watermelon slice twice her size. Even

In fact, watermelon is known for Vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene, which support our immune systems. Healthline says lycopene can help ward off some cancers.The calorie cost for the fruit is just 46 calories per cup.

No one can doubt that the chilled, watery summer fruit is a perfect snack for this time of year. But it can also be part of a meal, from salads to entrees to desserts.

We will start with a drink inspired by Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian drinks, including lassi and ayran.

WATERMELON, LIME AND WHITE PEPPER DRINK

(Adapted from epicuriouscom)

Ingredients

Watermelon flesh, 1-1/2 cups cut into 1-inch cubes

Yogurt, 1/2 cup plain

Lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh

Honey, 2-1/2 tablespoons

White pepper, 1/8 teaspoon or to taste

Soda water, 1 cup chilled

Ice cubes, 1 cup or more as needed

Salt, pinch

Directions

Place all in a blender, blend until well-combined, and serve immediately.

WATERMELON FETA SALAD

(Adapted from delish.com)

Ingredients

Watermelon , 3 cups seedless, cubed

Cucumber, 1 cup chopped

Feta cheese, 1 cup crumbled

Onion, red preferred, 1/2 cup thinly sliced

Directions

Olive oil of choice, 1/4 cup

Salt to taste and more to garnish

Red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons

Mint leaves, 2/3 cup coarsely chopped plus twigs for garnish

Combine watermelon, cucumber, feta, onion and chopped mint in one bowl, in another whisk together olive oil, vinegar and salt. Mix together, place in a serving bowl, and top with mint garnish and salt, if desired.

FROZEN SPROUTED WATERMELON SEED BITES

(Adapted from watermelon.com)

Ingredients

Watermelon seeds, 1.5 cups

Watermelon meat, 1 cup fresh, chopped

Directions

Dates, 1 cup pitted, halved, and soaked in purified water 1-2 hours Beets, 1/4 cup roughly chopped Coconut butter, 1 tablespoon

Place dates in the food processor after removing from water (discard water) and pulse a few times, then add 1 cup of watermelon seeds, chopped watermelon meat, beets, and coconut butter. Blend until well combined. Now add the rest of the watermelon seeds and pulse briefly so that they remain chunky. Cool mixture in refrigerator for at least half an hour. Finally, remove from the fridge and with damp fingers roll into tablespoon-sized balls and place on a plate. Sprinkle a few watermelon seeds on top and freeze for about 3 hours until well frozen.

GRILLED STEAK & WATERMELON SALAD

(Adapted from beefitswhatsfordinner.com)

Ingredients

Steaks, 4 beef tenderloin about 6 oz each

Watermelon, 2 slices seedless, about 1-inch thick each

Feta or shredded cheese of choice, 1/4 cup

Onion, red, 1/2 cup thinly sliced

Directions

Cherry tomatoes, 1 cup halved

Coriander and cumin, combined and ground, 1 teaspoon each

Balsamic dressing, 1/4 cup

Baby spinach leaves, 8 cups

Salt and pepper to taste

Press combined cumin and coriander evenly onto steaks and grill over ashcovered coals. Place watermelon slices around steaks. Grill steaks over medium heat to preferred degree of doneness, turning occasionally. About 11-15 minutes for medium-rare. Carve steaks into slices and watermelon into wedges. Arrange baby spinach leaves onto a plate and drizzle with dressing, then arrange beef, watermelon and tomatoes on top. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper to taste, then with onion and cheese.

Two Teachers Headed to National Ag in the Classroom Conference

by K. MICHELE TRICE

TTEACHING STUDENTS THE VALUE of agriculture and the variety of forms in which it can be applied to daily life is important in our culture today, according to the two teachers selected by the Highlands County Farm Bureau to attend the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Orlando this month.

turally literate person as “one who understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life.”

The conference will feature a variety of workshops designed to provide curriculum ideas as well as opportunities such as farm tours.

In her work at Parkhill Elementary, Brown works with her students at a small farm that has goats, chickens, and turkeys.

“I’m excited to learn more ideas about gardening,” she says. “I feel like we have the animals down pat, and we started a garden this year. I want to bring back other people’s knowledge and ideas and apply them directly to my class.”

“So many kids are going home and going outside or learning life skills to be able to care for themselves,” Brown says. “One student this year expressed that he had never gardened before, and there’s a lack in that education, especially in elementary school.”

Krystal Brown and Kylie Fitzwater are working to incorporate agriculture in their lessons with their K-5 students. Brown has been teaching for 17 years and is at Parkhill Elementary School in Avon Park currently. She teaches K-5, Pre-K, and STEM Ag courses. Fitzwater just

completed her second year of teaching and is at Woodlawn Elementary School in Sebring. She teaches fifth grade, ELA, and social studies.

The mission of Ag in the Classroom is “to increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education.” The website goes on to define an agricul-

Fitzwater says she wants to show her students that they can be involved in ag regardless of where they live.

“Ag can be for everyone,” she says.

“Our school is in the middle of Sebring, and students don’t understand where our foods come from,” Fitzwater continues. “I want to give

BROWN FITZWATER

more awareness to that. Children benefit by understanding where their food comes from and from being able to make healthier choices.”

“We can grow snacks and toppings for burgers,” she says. “Taking ownership of what they can put out into the world and provide for themselves,” is a key component of what she hopes to impart to her students.

Highlands County Farm Bureau Secretary Danielle Daum has attended many Ag in the Classroom conferences through the years, and she recalls “it’s an amazing experience for teachers as well as for industry representatives encouraging teachers to use ag lessons to teach core curriculum.”

“These are great eye-opening experiences,” Daum says.

Daum says it’s important for students to recognize the value of agriculture in their daily lives.

“It’s not just the food or the wooden pencil. It’s parts in your vehicle or computer. It makes all of the things we make every day. It’s jobs and tax dollars.”

That’s a sentiment both teachers echo.

“In this day and age, it’s super important for kids to learn the skills to provide for themselves,” Brown says. “Growing plants and having animals teaches them that.”

Brown and Fitzwater are hoping to gain information at the conference to begin new organizations or clubs at their schools. Brown is trying to begin a 4-H program, and Fitzwater wants to start an eco-friendly or green club.

Daum says these two teachers were recommended for the County Farm Bureau to sponsor through the school system as being teachers who are interested in bringing agriculture to the classroom. The Orlando location of the conference this year made it easier to send teachers, and she says other counties are sponsoring teachers as well. ag

More than 100 members of the community showed their support for the law enforcement officers who protect and serve them at the Highlands County Judicial Appreciation Luncheon at Rafter T Ranch on May 5. The event was hosted by the Highlands County Farm Bureau, Highlands County Cattlemen & Cattlewomen, Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, and Florida Nursery Growers & Landscaping Association.

Zooming in on agriculture in your community

photos provided by JESSICA HARRIS

Option 1: Online Course and FWC Field Day (Two Steps)

The online Hunter Safety Course and FWC Field Day covers the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to be a safe hunter. Students should complete one of the third-party online hunter safety courses listed below, then register for an FWC Field Day. Allow approximately 8 hours to complete an online hunter safety course.

Step 1 - Complete one of the following thirdparty online courses.

• NRAHE.org

• Beasafehunter.org

• HunterEdCourse.com

• Hunter-Ed.com Florida

• HUNTERcourse.com Florida

• Interactive Course – ilearntohunt.com/Florida

Step 2 - Register for an FWC Field Day near you. Click on the date you would like to attend and complete the online registration form. You must have completed an online hunter safety course and have a copy of the completion certificate or field day

Florida

ag-rec ag-recFlorida

myfwc.com/hunting/safety-education/courses/

Hunter Safety Course Options

voucher prior to taking an FWC Field Day. Some FWC field days take place over a two-day period and students must attend both days in their entirety to successfully complete the course.

Option 2: Previous Firearms Training and Online Course

This option is recommended for adults only who are Florida residents. If you have already completed previous firearms training, meeting one of the acceptable firearm training requirements listed on the application linked below, you can receive a Florida hunter safety card by completing one of the online courses listed above, reading the current years hunting regulations and following the procedures outlined in the Application For Hunter Safety Certification With Previous Firearms Training. Please refer to the application to see which forms of previous firearms training documentation is acceptable. Applications can be emailed, faxed or mailed to the Regional Offices listed on the back of the application.

Option3: Florida Virtual School Outdoor

Education

Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course (flvs.net) is now offering high school students (grades 9-12) the ability to complete their Hunter Safety and Boater Safety certification while earning 0.5 credit for high school. The new FLVS physical education course is now available for free to Florida students.

Option 4: Traditional Courses

The traditional hunter safety course is a face-toface, instructor-led course covering the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to be a safe hunter and a hands-on Field Day. Register for a course near you at https://app.myfwc.com/hgm/huntersafety/ clsmap.aspx.

When registering for your course, be sure to include your e-mail address where indicated. This will ensure that you receive your confirmation notice and your reminder prior to the date of the course. This also gives us another way to reach you in case the course date has been changed or canceled due to an emergency. ag

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

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Offices in Frostproof, 863-635-2281, and LaBelle, 863-675-7444

ANIMAL SERVICES

Quality Veterinary Care for your Horses and Cattle

POLK EQUINE - (863) 287-8413

PolkEquine.com

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT

- Lake & Pond Maintenance

- Permitting - Re-Vegetation

Manual & Mechanical Removal

(863) 412-1919

• waterweed1@aol.com

• Certified Public Accountants - Bunting Tripp and Ingley - A Tradition of Excellence for more than 80 Years - (863) 676-7981

Farm Bureau Insurance Offices Throughout Central Florida!

24/7 Claims Reporting Toll Free (866) 275-7322 floridafarmbureau.com

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Tour • Exhibits • Gift Shop

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EQUIPMENT FOR RENT

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We’re the Key to Making Life Easy for You! Real Estate, Lawn Care, Pest Control, and more! 863-439-6550

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International Market World Flea and Farmers Market

Friday 8-3, Saturday & Sunday 8-4 New and Used bargains. See live gators.

• Irrigation Services of Central FloridaAg irrigation is our specialty, Jimmy Durden, Irrigation Specialist - (863) 875-5722.

Ring Power Corporation Special Financing Rate - 0% for 60 months, $0 down. (888) 748-7464 • CatRentalStore.com

EMPLOYMENT

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

My Payroll Solutions LLC has over 20 years of experience in matching small businesses, Agriculture Companies and harvesters to staffing services and employee leasing companies, which provide payroll services with workers comp coverage and assistance with H2A applications for our clients. For more information contact Jeff H Futch at 863-835-1130.

CONCEALED CARRY GUN SAFETY COURSES -starting at just $40.00 per person. Call (863) 655-1010 to register for the next class. Tell ‘em AgNews sent ya. SprayAndPrayReloading.com

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Stromberg’s Chicks & Game Birds Order Early! Chick Days 800-720-1134 ChickDaysFlorida.com

FOR RENT 7 yard rowmulcher, Great for replenishing bark on Blueberry Farms, PTO drive, 30hp tractor needed. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.

Researchers Have One Caveat for Use of UV Light on Strawberry Pest

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent

GROWERS CAN USE ultraviolet light and predatory mites to help control a pest that can severely damage strawberries, but new University of Florida research adds a cautionary note.

This integrated approach to managing twospotted spider mites comes as helpful information for growers in Florida’s $400 million-a-year strawberry industry. Farmers are trying to keep the spider mite at bay because it can cause significant damage to the Florida strawberry crop each year.

Sriyanka Lahiri, a UF/IFAS entomologist, first found that ultraviolet light can help thwart the twospotted spider mite.

Now, Lahiri has discovered growers can combine UV light with three predatory mite species to more efficiently keep the twospotted spider mite in check. But farmers must be careful.

For her new study, Lahiri wanted to find out what would happen if she

used UV light on the eggs of predatory mites in the research field of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). At the same time, Lahiri used UV to suppress spider mites.

She and her team found that the same UV doses that kill most spider mite eggs also kill almost 90% of predatory mite eggs. That’s bad news because those predatory mites won’t grow to adulthood, which means they cannot eat the spider mites. The key to controlling twospotted spider mites is to use UV lights, then release adult predatory mites.

“This research finding informs growers about the limitations of using UV light in combination with predatory mites,” says Lahiri, a faculty member at GCREC. “Using our new information, growers can protect the predators, while using UV light for maximum spider mite suppression.”

Twospotted spider mites use

their piercing mouths to feed on leaves and can reduce strawberry yield by 10 percent to 25 percent, a worrisome loss for any grower.

Most farmers spray chemicals on their strawberries to thwart the mites. But UF/IFAS scientists are trying to find ways to reduce growers’ use of miticides. That’s why researchers are studying integrated pest management methods to control the mites.

“These mites can build webs that protect them from many pest-management strategies,” Lahiri says. “Add to that their high reproductive rates, and the mites start reducing strawberry yield. This research helps combine physical and biological control strategies to help farmers avoid yield losses, without using miticide. For large-scale adoption of this technique, farmers can eventually use lightweight automated devices.” ag

Lahiri

The Calendar Is Heating Up

JESSICA M c DONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

AS SUMMER SETS IN, the ag community is coming alive with learning opportunities. Here are some events to add to your calendar. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with additional opportunities that we’ll post as they come in.

Citrus Grower Forum • June 21, 11 a.m.

UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred

Dr. Brian Thompson, CEO of Elemental Enzymes, will discuss how Vismax peptide technology evolved from the lab to a grower-ready product. Free to attend. Lunch will be provided by Nutrien. Pre-register by June 16 at growerforum06212023.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Chris Oswalt, UF/IFAS Multi-County Citrus Agent, at wcoswalt@ufl.edu.

Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo • August 16-17

Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa

This event is billed as the world’s premier seminar and trade program for the citrus industry. Previously held in North Fort Myers, the event will be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds this year and will feature a trade show and general session seminars that will address labor and water management issues, among many other topics.

Register at citrusexpo.net/registration/ Landowners Assistance Expo 2023

Tuesday, June 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center Auditorium, Sebring

Landowners in DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola and Polk counties are invited to participate in conversations related to technical assistance, cost-share opportunities, conservation easements, and the financial implications of each program. Outreach representatives will be on hand to provide brief overviews of local, state, federal and non-governmental programs and receive feedback from attendees. To register, go to: https://bit. ly/3Cgnnhp

For more information, contact April DaSilva at 863-534-7130 Ext. 129 or adasilva@cfrpc.org.

Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference 2023

June 14-16

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Bonita Springs

Florida Citrus Mutual has planned a great conference that will include informative educational sessions with continuing education credits and a number of industry meetings for growers and

associated partners to participate in. There will also be a number of fellowship events, including the return of the Citrus Scramble Golf Tournament, to enjoy and this is an extremely family friendly event and venue. To learn more or register for the 2023 Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference, visit flcitrusmutual. com/florida-citrus-industry-annual-conference/.

Florida Blueberry Growers Association Summer Grower Meetings

• July 12 — Hardee County, Hardee County IFAS Extension Office

• July 14 — Lake County, Lake County IFAS Extension Office

• July 19 — Polk County, Polk County IFAS Extension Office

• July 21 — Alachua County, Alachua County

IFAS Extension Office

Drs. Phil Harmon, Peter Dittmar, Oscar Liburd, Gerardo Nunez, and Jeff Williamson will discuss herbicides, leaf rust management, fungicide selection, use of hydrogen cyanamide, blueberry nitrogen nutrition and chilli thrip management. Learn more at floridablueberrygrowers.org. ag

not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the