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Articles by Gene McAvoy
Florida Ag Hall of Fame inductees include Gene McAvoy
Three Florida agricultural industry leaders are the newest additions to the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Eugene “Gene” McAvoy, a longtime southwest Florida regional vegetable and horticultural extension agent, John Hoblick, a retired longtime president of Florida Farm Bureau, and John Schlechter, a grower and equipment company owner, are scheduled to be the 2024 class inductees.
Stress on the Farm Hurts Mental Health, But Help Is Coming Soon
By Nikki Fried|December 19, 2021 Farmers, growers, and ranchers are the strong, resilient type. Florida’s farmers, in particular, have their fair share of challenges to contend with, like unpredictable weather and climate, powerful natural disasters, the constant threat of invasive pests and diseases, and unfair foreign trade that has cost Florida seasonal produce growers billions in economic losses.
Return of FFVA Annual Convention the Highlight of Year-End Reflection
By Christina Morton|December 18, 2021 Breakfast keynote speaker Damian Mason addresses attendees at Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s (FFVA) 77th annual convention. Photo courtesy of FFVA Since my first day on the job, one statement has been shared repeatedly by members, “We’re looking forward to convention.” Expectations were high that Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) would hold a convention in 2021 after canceling it last year due to the pandemic.
Rise of Stink Bugs Still a Concern for Vegetable Growers in Southeast
By Gene McAvoy|Updated: November 23, 2021 The southern green stink bug can be a pain for vegetable growers in the Southeast U.S., particularly in tomatoes. Photo by Herb Pilcher In recent years, growers in Florida and the Southeast have reported an increase in stink bug-related problems in tomato and other crops. The southern green stink bug belongs to the order Hemiptera or “true bugs.” Stink bugs can be recognized by their oval shape, five-segmented antennae, and malodorous scent.
Role of Fungal Pathogen in Citrus Fruit Drop at Center of Symposium
By Frank Giles|October 20, 2021 KeyPlex recently hosted a symposium in Central Florida to provide information on the use of peptides in citrus. Company President Gerald O’Connor welcomed the crowd of about 80 during the event. Photo by Frank Giles Last month, KeyPlex, a plant health product supplier, invited me to attend a peptide symposium. The use of peptides in citrus has become a hot topic in the past year, so the event drew about 80 growers and other industry stakeholders.
For Spinach, Weed Control Timing Is Everything
By Tom Wood|October 13, 2021 Spinach is a widely consumed and versatile crop that is as much about its look as it is about its flavor. For growers, however, a successful spinach harvest is as much about patience as it is about timing. Dr. Steve Fennimore, Extension Specialist at University of California, Davis’ Department of Plant Sciences, conducted a study on how Spin-Aid (Belchim USA) performs in spinach crops.
Why Innovation in Citrus and Recruiting New Talent Go Hand in Hand
By Frank Giles|September 18, 2021 Larry Black is the 2021 Citrus Achievement Award winner. Photo by Frank Giles This the third installment of four special Q&A features with Larry Black, the 2021 Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner. He is VP and General Manager of Ft. Meade, FL-based Peace River Packing Co. How important is it to bring young people into the citrus industry?
Farm Interests Keep Wary Eyes on the Tax Man
By Frank Giles|August 30, 2021 We have spent a lot of money in the past year or so. If there was ever an argument for doing so, a global pandemic and its economic fallout is about as good as any. But it also gave lawmakers a proverbial blank check to do what they like most … bring home the bacon and spend, spend, spend. I won’t go down that political rabbit hole, but the fact remains you and I – the taxpayer – are on the hook for the spending whether we agree with it or not.
Water Quality Concerns in Florida Stir up Citrus BMP and Phosphorus Questions
By Frank Giles|August 23, 2021 Water quality issues and problems with algal blooms are popping up around Florida as the summer heats up. As blue-green algae makes headlines again this summer, fertilizer from farms and urban sources are again under scrutiny. Last year, the state legislature passed the Clean Waterways Act to address continuing challenges with water quality.
Why Von Bergen's Country Market Grows With Different Colored Plastic Mulch
By Johnny Eppich|August 18, 2021 A brighter red tomato from red mulch? That seems to be the case at Von Bergen’s Country Market. Photo by Carol Miller If you visit Von Bergen’s Country Market’s growing division in Hebron, IL, you will see the crops growing with different colored plastic mulch underneath. In addition to the traditional black plastics, you will see red plastic under tomatoes and silver plastic under pepper crops.
Bayer Expands Movento Label for Vegetable Growers in Southeast U.S.
Posted by Growing Produce Staff|August 12, 2021 Bayer is bringing vegetable growers in the Southeast U.S. a newly expanded label of Movento MPC insecticide/nematicide for registered crops, including fruiting vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Movento MPC provides growers with long-lasting efficacy and protection and is now registered for use in 227 additional crops.
Citrus Achievement Award Winner Talks New Varieties and COVID-19 Lessons Learned
By Frank Giles|July 19, 2021 Larry Black was named Florida Grower’s 2021 Citrus Achievement Award winner. Photo by Frank Giles This the first installment of four special Q&A features honoring Larry Black, the 2021 Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner. He is VP and General Manager of Ft. Meade, FL-based Peace River Packing Co. Are you experimenting with any of the newer citrus varieties?
Support Growing for Scientific, Risk-Based Regulation of Pesticides
By Mary Hartney|July 16, 2021 Recent Southern Crop Production Association (SCPA) Virtual Hill visits proved fruitful for the Florida delegation as lawmakers and local industry stakeholders discussed current challenges regarding regulations.
The Latest Salvo on Farm Labor Is a Work in Progress
By Frank Giles|June 28, 2021 The never-ending story of sourcing agricultural labor and its challenges (or immigration reform) didn’t end with the change in presidential administration. That’s no surprise and has always been the case with the issue that is passed like a hot potato from the party in power to the next. But President Biden put the issue in the spotlight during his joint address to Congress in late April, if only briefly in his comments.
Fruit of the Pandemic: Drink a Glass of OJ Every Day
By Shannon Ross Shepp|May 14, 2021 With the one-year mark of the pandemic behind us and a semblance of ‘normal’ life emerging, I can’t help but think about all the ways daily life has changed during this strange period of time and wonder what the lasting impact will be. Many of us, particularly those like me who work in an office setting, were forced to slow down and spend more time at home.
How Citrus Growers are Watching and Trialing New Orange Varieties
By Peter Chaires|May 10, 2021 Orange growers are certainly watching and perhaps trialing new orange varieties in each of Florida’s key maturity windows. Better oranges are needed to feed the state’s processing sector, with a higher sense of urgency for early/mid-season varieties. Florida long maintained a relative balance between early/mid- and late-maturing oranges, but superior horticultural performance with HLB certainly has more growers talking about planting late-season orange varieties.
Ways DS&A Is Proving Essential To Growers During the Pandemic
By Frank Giles|April 23, 2021 As Florida and the nation adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida Grower® magazine is recognizing the important role businesses play in serving specialty crop producers in the state. This month, we are featuring Karl Manges, Operations Director of DS&A. First, can you provide a little background on the history of DS&A Inc.? Manges: DS&A Inc.
New Voice Speaks up for Florida Fruit and Vegetable Producers
By Christina Morton|April 16, 2021 There’s a vivid memory of my son, just a year old, wearing a gator hat snug on his head, buried in a two-gallon bucket between his legs underneath a blueberry bush. It was a hot day, and he wanted a snack. Deep inside the bucket were blueberries I had worked so diligently to find. Only the biggest. About the size of a quarter. We know those to be the sweetest.
Show Support for the World's Finest Citrus
By Mike Sparks|March 26, 2021 First off, I hope everyone has hit the ground running in 2021, and may the new year put 2020 and all of its ups and downs behind us. The COVID-19 virus, the elections, the subsequent aftermath, and a tough growing season for citrus in Florida all came together to produce a year of turbulence. I pray we get some stability back so Florida growers can focus on what they do best — produce the best citrus in the world.
10 Ways To Improve Education on the Use of Biologicals in Crops
By Brian Sparks|February 15, 2021 Knowing your environment and production system is critical to effective use of biological products. Photo courtesy of Bioline Agrosciences Because the use of biological products is still relatively new among specialty crop growers, the learning curve remains steep. But there are ways to educate yourself. We asked product manufacturers how growers can take their education process to the next level. Here’s what they had to say. 1.
Better Together: Why the 1935 Florida Citrus Commission Had it Right
By Shannon Ross Shepp|December 18, 2020 Members of the first Florida Citrus Commission, taken in 1935. Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Citrus In his departing words to the industry, former Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Ned Hancock shared a history lesson we could all use. When the Citrus Commission was first formed in 1935, it was lauded as a unique government entity with the power to support Florida citrus growers and transform the trajectory of our industry.
Airtec Sprayers Keeps the Pressure on During Pandemic Original
By Frank Giles|November 20, 2020 The Airtec Air Boom Tower Sprayer targets the plant canopies with air nozzles rather than blasting from the ground upward like other air blast sprayers, saving on inputs. Photo courtesy of Airtec Sprayers As Florida and the nation adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida Grower magazine is recognizing the important role businesses play in serving specialty crop producers in the state. This month, we are featuring Tim Schaal, CEO of Airtec Sprayers, Inc.
2020 marks the 65th anniversary of National Farm-City Week
By Gene McAvoy IMMOKALEE – Nov. 18-25 is National Farm-City Week, a time set aside to recognize and honor the contributions of the country’s agriculturalists and to strengthen the bond between urban and rural citizens. The agricultural and natural resources industries of the five-counties of Southwest Florida (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee), contribute more than 9 billion dollars annually.
Why You Should Drink Your Orange Juice
By Shannon Ross Shepp|November 13, 2020 Growing up, it was a familiar phrase: “Drink your OJ.” I remember hearing it from my lifelong family friend and mentor, Gail Buurma, the time I called her from my college dorm feeling under the weather and overwhelmed with exams and projects. She was a high-powered, jet-setting executive who knew a thing or two about rising to the occasion. I needed to know how she did it, and how I could do it, too.
Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Found in Ohio
By Thomas Skernivitz|October 28, 2020 An up-close look at the spotted lanternfly. The pest continues to spread west of the Mid-Atlantic. (Photo: Delaware Department of Agriculture) Add Ohio to the list of U.S. states that have confirmed the presence of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). Inspectors from the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Plant Pest Control captured five live adults among trees in Mingo Junction, which is south of Steubenville, along the Ohio River.
How the First Asian Giant Hornet Nest in the U.S. Was Found
Posted by Paul Rusnak|October 26, 2020 The Asian giant hornet (aka, “Murder Hornet”) is trying to make itself right at home in the Pacific Northwest.
Mites Taking a Bite Out of Florida Blueberries
By Oscar E. Liburd | Lorena Lopez|October 17, 2020 The tiny red mite can produce damage on blueberry foliage in higher infestations. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS Recently, there has been at outbreak of plant-feeding mites affecting blueberry production in Florida.
Why the Florida Citrus Sector Will Thrive in the Future
By Frank Giles|October 16, 2020 This is the final installment of four special features honoring the 2020 Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner, Steven Callaham, CEO of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association. What do you love about the Florida citrus industry? Callaham: While I don’t grow the citrus myself, there are many facets I love about the citrus industry. One facet is working with growers — and working for a cooperative gives me the opportunity to interact with hundreds of growers.
Biocontrol Application Mistakes to Avoid in Your Crops
By Janeen Wright|September 18, 2020 For optimal biocontrol application, products must be used at the right stage of development in a pest and/or disease life cycle to maximize efficacy. Photo courtesy of Koppert Biological Systems Biocontrol application mistakes add up in terms of lost time and money, not to mention crop losses due to ineffective control of the targeted pest. Many biocontrol products work great when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s direction.
Why Citrus Education Is Worth the Connection Anywhere
By Mike Sparks|September 18, 2020 For the first time ever, Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) was forced to cancel the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in June due to COVID-19 concerns. It was a very difficult decision, but after close consultation among FCM, our board, and the Hyatt Coconut Point staff, we decided it was the best course of action.
Guest opinion: Growers and food banks are rallying in this time of crisis
Gene McAvoy, Special to The News-Press Published 8:00 a.m. ET May 9, 2020 Eugene McAvoy. County Extension Director and Extension Agent IV, MS. Vegetable/Ornamental Horticulture. Hendry Co. Email: gmcavoy@ufl.edu (Photo: UF/IFAS Photographer, UF/IFAS File Photo) On March 24, a local produce broker said everything changed for the South Florida vegetable industry — including farmers in Southwest Florida. Orders stopped, and everything got quiet.
Guest opinion: Growers and food banks are rallying in this time of crisis
Gene McAvoy, Special to The News-Press Published 8:00 a.m. ET May 9, 2020 Eugene McAvoy. County Extension Director and Extension Agent IV, MS. Vegetable/Ornamental Horticulture. Hendry Co. Email: gmcavoy@ufl.edu (Photo: UF/IFAS Photographer, UF/IFAS File Photo) On March 24, a local produce broker said everything changed for the South Florida vegetable industry — including farmers in Southwest Florida. Orders stopped, and everything got quiet.
COVID-19: Understanding Our Farmers’ Struggle - Central Florida Ag News
by GENE McAVOY, Associate Director for Stakeholder Relations at UF/IFAS SWREC and Regional Vegetable Extension Agent Emeritus provided to Central Florida Ag News Markets On Tuesday, March 24, a local broker says, everything changed. From brokers, orders stopped and everything got quiet. Wednesday, the 25th, super-quiet. Since then, tomato volumes are down 85 percent, green beans are like 50 percent, cabbage is like 50 percent.
Guest Commentary: The day South Florida agriculture died - Immokalee Bulletin
Special to the Immokalee Bulletin/Courtesy of Gene McAvoy: Former UF/IFAS Extension agent extraordinaire Gene McAvoy shared this photograph of a local farmer plowing under some fruit-laden tomato plant fields on Facebook, and many sad comments followed. Prodigious amounts of vegetables have been wasted due to a change in demand after coronavirus halted consumers’ usual food shopping habits.
CEU Series: Calculate a Crop Protection Formula for Success | Growing Produce
A pesticide is any chemical which is used by man to control pests. The pests may be insects, plant diseases, fungi, weeds, nematodes, snails, slugs, etc. Therefore, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc., are all types of pesticides. A pesticide chemical can rarely be used as originally manufactured. Typically, the pesticide must be diluted with water, oil, air or a chemically inactive (inert) solid so that it can be handled by application equipment and spread evenly over the area to be treated.
Prevent Pythium From Putting a Damper on Your Vegetables | Growing Produce
The host range for Pythium spp. is extremely wide. Crops commonly infected include beans cucurbits, peppers, southern peas, strawberries, and tomatoes. The combination of abundant soil moisture and elevated temperatures conspire to make the fall planting season a prime time for vegetable growers in Florida to encounter problems with Pythium spp. on a variety of vegetables. Pythium typically attacks roots causing damping off, seedling blights, root rots, and wilting of affected crops.
CEU Series: Mix and Load Pesticides Safely | Growing Produce
Pesticides are one of many tools available to farmers for the protection of crops from weeds, insects, and diseases. Pesticides require special care and handling. A few pesticides may be used as is, in the form they are purchased. These include baits, garden dusts, dry granular materials, aerosols, and some liquid household and livestock sprays primarily intended for homeowner use.
Prevent Sweet Potato Weevil From Giving You the Slip | Growing Produce
The sweet potato weevil is considered to be the most serious pest of sweet potato, with losses ranging from 5% to 97%. It occurs in tropical regions worldwide and is found throughout the Southeast U.S. from North Carolina to Texas. It causes damage in the field and in storage crops. The pest is around the whole year and most numerous in the fall and late spring. The adult is striking in appearance.
Florida Farmers Digging out From Impacts of Irma | Growing Produce
JavaScript is required for the gallery to function properly.Start Slideshow 16 photos[updated Sept. 15, 12:30 p.m.] Less than one year after being sideswiped by major Hurricane Matthew, the state of Florida took another big blow from the tropics, this time from historic Hurricane Irma. The monster system — which ballooned to as much as 500 miles wide — rampaged through the Leeward Islands and the Bahamas as an extremely strong Category 5 storm.
Farmers Await Fate as Irma Socks Sunshine State | Growing Produce
Less than one year after being sideswiped by major Hurricane Matthew, the state of Florida is taking another big blow from the tropics, this time from historic Hurricane Irma. The monster system — which ballooned to as much as 500 miles wide — has rampaged through the Leeward Islands and the Bahamas as a strong Category 5 storm. Along the way to Florida — after trashing northern Cuba — the hurricane passed over Cudjoe Key and made landfall at Marco Island.
Florida Farming Braces for Impacts From Irma | Growing Produce
Less than one year after being sideswiped by major Hurricane Matthew, the state of Florida is set to take another blow from the tropics, this time from historic Hurricane Irma. The monster — which has grown to 500 miles wide — has rampaged through the Leeward Islands and the Bahamas as a strong Category 5 storm. As of this posting, its sights were set on the Sunshine State.
CEU Series: Protect Crops and the Environment | Growing Produce
Pesticides can be helpful in dealing with pests in our environment such as controlling invasive plant species that threaten native habitats or insects and diseases that attack our crops. Pesticides can also pose risks to the environment, especially when they are used improperly. Pesticide use and drift can affect air quality and pesticides in the food chain can threaten wildlife and people. In addition, pesticides are may be non-point sources of water pollution.
Apple Grower of the Year
News and information regarding the Apple Grower of the Year Award presented by American Fruit Grower.
Stop Fall Armyworm from Getting the Drop on Your Sweet Corn Crop | Growing Produce
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is the most important pest for corn in Florida. The larvae feed on leaf tissue and burrow into ears and feed on kernels. The pest can cause extensive damage to corn crops. The pest is around the whole year and most numerous in the fall and late spring. The fall armyworm is native to warmer regions of the western hemisphere from the U.S. to Argentina. In the U.S., it overwinters successfully only in South Florida and southern Texas.
How to Deal with Annoying Fungus Gnats on the Farm | Growing Produce
Fungus gnats are small flies that infest soil, container media, and other sources of organic decomposition. The larvae of most species feed on fungi and decaying organic matter and are not considered an economic problem. A few species will attack healthy root tissue of economic plants and can an occasional problem in greenhouses and vegetable transplant industry, where they can damage seedlings and plants. In addition, large numbers of flying gnats may be a nuisance to workers.
Take Caution to Curb Cucurbit Leaf Crumple Virus | Growing Produce
Cucurbit leaf crumple virus is a begomovirus that was first reported in squash in Florida in 2006. It hit watermelon growers around Southwest Florida especially hard this past spring. Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) usually starts in small patches in the field with new leaves showing yellowing. The yellowing pattern is unique and in early stages of infection appears between the veins. As the disease progresses, the yellowing of the leaves will spread to the leaf margin.
Stay on Your A Game to Conquer Corn Leaf Aphid | Growing Produce
The corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch) can be problem for Florida sweet corn growers. These aphids usually feed within the whorl of corn, and are most apparent at or just before tassel push. This pest sucks sap from plants and excrete a sticky sugary substance called “honeydew.” The honeydew can become moldy, giving the tops of the plants a black, sooty appearance.
CEU Series: Make Sure to Stow Your Pesticides Before You Go | Growing Produce
Storing pesticides properly protects human and animal health, safeguards wells and surface waters, and prevents unauthorized access to hazardous chemicals. Proper pesticide storage and inventory practices will prolong the shelflife of pesticides and make it easier to track your pesticide usage so that you can plan purchases for future years. Your job is not finished until the pesticides, containers, and your equipment have been put away properly.
Alternaria Leaf Spot Awareness Can Save Your Cucurbit Crops | Growing Produce
Alternaria leaf spot of cucurbits is caused by the fungus Alternaria cucumerina. Cantaloupes and watermelons are most susceptible, but squash, cucumbers, and other cucurbits might be affected. Plant vigor and fruit quality may be reduced if this disease is not controlled. Alternaria leaf spots typically appear on older leaves and spread to the newer leaves toward the tips of the vine. Leaf spots begin as bright- to pale-yellow or tan flecks on the upper leaf surface.
CEU Series: Avoid Mishaps When Handling Pesticides | Growing Produce
A pesticide spill refers to unplanned spill or leakage of a pesticide into the environment that occurs during storage, use, transport, or disposal of a pesticide. If you are transporting pesticides, have an emergency plan in place for accidents. Since accidents are often caused by others, you must be ready with a spill action plan. A spill is any accidental release of a pesticide.
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