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Articles by Mike Sparks
Children are facing a mental health crisis. Chess and music therapy offer solutions
Mike Sparks July 17, 2024 at 6:02 AM·3 min read During my years in public service, I’ve always had a simple goal: to improve my community and the people who reside here. Middle Tennessee is growing rapidly because of conservative policies and fiscal responsibility. We’re moving in the right direction, but there’s no doubt we still have work to do. A major issue facing our country today is mental health and behavioral issues in young people.
What To Know About the New International Fresh Produce Association
By Greenhouse Grower|January 6, 2022 January 2022 marks the start of the new International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the global trade association representing the fresh produce and floral supply chains. The association represents the interests, individuals, and organizations across the global supply chain, of all sizes and specialties.
Role of Technology Huge in Helping Fix Supply Chain Snafus
By Frank Giles|December 27, 2021 With hundreds of thousands of shipping containers sitting in port yards, trucking delays, and mounting scarcity of products that make America tick, we all have suddenly become interested in learning more about the global supply chain. I have researched the topic extensively and have found it to be so complex it is nearly impossible to get your head around all the moving parts of the system. That complexity is a big part of the problem.
Do Your Best To Stay Ahead of Watermelon Vine Decline
By Frank Giles|December 25, 2021 A team of researchers from the University of Florida, Florida Department of Citrus, and the USDA-ARS discovered that watermelon vine decline was caused by a whitefly-transmitted virus, which they called squash vein yellowing virus. Photo by Dr. Scott Adkins Since it was first observed in 2003, watermelon vine decline has caused severe monetary losses to growers in Florida.
7 Appointed To Lead Next Term for the Florida Citrus Commission
By Florida Department of Citrus|October 19, 2021 Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed three new members to the Florida Citrus Commission and reappointed four others. The appointments of John Smoak and Daniel Sutton fill two vacant seats and the appointment of Christopher Groom fills a seat held by a commissioner serving a previously expired term. Commissioners Carlos Martinez, Martin “Marty” McKenna, Steve Johnson, and William “Bill” Poulton were reappointed.
Is It Damping-Off That's Keeping Your Vegetable Crops Down?
By Gene McAvoy|September 16, 2021 This tomato plant is showing signs of damping-off. Photo by Gene McAvoy A general term used to describe the death of seedlings due to a variety of soilborne fungal pathogens. It can affect almost all vegetable plants at the early stages of growth. Losses can be severe and are often manifested in reduced stands in seed flats or rapid wilting and death of young seedlings or production of low-quality plants that perform poorly in the field.
Want More and Bigger Tomatoes? Look To the Genes
Posted by Paul Rusnak|September 12, 2021 Bigger is better, right? Ok, maybe not in all cases. But when it comes to tomatoes, commercial growers are always looking for an advantage. University of Florida horticultural scientist Tong Geon Lee is on a mission to keep producers out of the red. How? By looking for answers through the complex maze of plant genetics.
Track the Journey From Citrus Seed To Growing Success
By Peter Chaires|September 13, 2021 The Florida Citrus Research Foundation (FCRF) provides oversight and support for the A.H. Whitmore Foundation Farm near Leesburg. The foundation and farm were initiated in 1959 as a means of supporting the Florida citrus industry through citrus field research, trial plantings, and cropping new citrus crosses for evaluation and data collection.
New Study Shows Surge of Mexican Produce into the U.S. Continuing
Posted by Frank Giles|September 2, 2021 In late August, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) released a study showing the continuing damaging impact Mexican agricultural imports into the U.S. market are having. The report, prepared by the agency’s Division of Marketing and Development, showed a 10% to 20% loss in annual sales of Florida seasonal produce due to expanded Mexican imports. The economic impact resulted in an extraordinary $1.99 to $3.99 loss.
Can You Dig It? Citrus Soil Health Study Gets $500K in Backing
Posted by Paul Rusnak|April 28, 2021 A team of University of Florida researchers is on a mission to find out how quickly soil health can change in the state’s sandy soils and how specific changes in soil health might impact yield of citrus and other subtropical fruit trees. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is funding the nearly $500,000, four-year project.
Highland Ag Solutions Stays Sharp in Face of Coronavirus Crisis
By Frank Giles|January 22, 2021 As Florida and the nation continues to 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 Steve Maxwell, founder and CEO of Highland Ag Solutions. Can you provide a little history about Highland Ag Solutions? MAXWELL: Highland started as an agricultural packaging company back in 2005.
What Are Florida Citrus Growers Planting?
By Frank Giles|January 18, 2021 Florida citrus growers understand that planting trees is a critical element securing the industry’s future success. According to the Florida Grower® magazine 2020-2021 Citrus Industry Pulse Survey, growers are taking that message to heart. More than 70% of survey respondents indicate they are actively replanting citrus trees. But what are they planting? See the image to the left for what our survey revealed.
The Top Reasons Why We Believe in Florida Citrus
By Frank Giles|December 28, 2020 When HLB was confirmed in Florida in 2005, there were some pronouncements that trees infected with the disease would only survive for a few months, maybe a year. While the battle has been hard — production has been reduced by 70% — you are still producing fruit, and many believe the industry remains viable despite the disease. It is easy to understand why people inside and out of the citrus industry would be discouraged by HLB, given the stats and production curve.
What a Year It’s Been for Florida Agriculture
By Frank Giles|December 27, 2020 In December, I typically take this space to reflect on the year that has gone by. In the past, I have deployed a bit of hyperbole to add a little spice to what was a par-for-the-course, normal year. That won’t be necessary in 2020. We have lived through one of the most consequential years in modern history.
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.
Selective Synthesis: "O Superman"
I vividly remember when I heard “O Superman” for the first time. On a wind-kissed morning, I walked. It was winter, and the dark was heavy over the city. Small amber light muscled its way up from the horizon, mirroring the blushing yellow streetlights. The dawn of the new day always inspires me to listen to new music—before the inevitable sunrise and the inescapably loud city song.had just passed, and I was ensconced in everything New York and Metal Machine Music.
Citrus Research Investments Yielding Positive Results | Growing Produce
I don’t think anybody can argue the citrus industry’s importance to the state of Florida — both from a sweeping economic and cultural perspective. Despite the scourge of HLB over the past decade, oranges, grapefruit, and specialty fruit create a $10.8 billion annual economic impact while supporting 62,000 jobs. Citrus farming is a way of life for third, fourth, and fifth generation growers. Families, businesses, and communities rely on citrus’ continued existence.
Florida Citrus Community Tasked To Unify For Stronger Future | Growing Produce
With the start of a new season underway, I figured now is as good a time as any to remind growers and members of the Florida citrus industry about the importance of joining Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) if you aren’t part of the family already. We are facing tough challenges and now is the time to invest in your only statewide trade organization that serves as the voice of the Florida citrus grower in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. If you are not a member, become one.
Incentives Key To Getting Florida Citrus Growing Again | Growing Produce
I’m asked all the time what are growers thinking about the future of the industry? What is the mood out in the groves? My standard answer is, “It depends on who you talk to and who they just got off the phone with.” Opinions are across the board. Some growers are pessimistic doom and gloomers; some are generally mystified as to what the future holds and some are relentlessly optimistic and have decided to be “all in” on Florida citrus come heck or high water.
Major OJ Purchase Promises Relief For Florida Citrus Sector | Growing Produce
Word of a $30 million bonus orange juice purchase from USDA comes as welcome news for a thirsty Florida citrus industry. According to a release from the government agency, a solicitation will be issued in the near future. Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) alerted its members of the forthcoming, timely OJ acquisition.
Let’s Lay Waste To Florida’s Abandoned Citrus Groves
Twenty years ago, the Florida citrus industry covered more than 810,000 acres. Through a variety of reasons we all know, the industry is now at well less than 500,000. Unfortunately, that number is expected to shrink further in the near future. Not all of the groves we’ve lost became shopping centers or housing developments. Many blocks of trees are still out there covered in moss or vines and still producing flush and a limited amount of fruit.
Prospects Perking Up For Florida Citrus In 2015 [Opinion]
As we delve into the 2014-2015 season, I see a lot of reason for optimism. First, the crop estimate came in higher than most of us thought. If we can produce somewhere near 108 million boxes of oranges, we should be in decent shape this year. Mutual hosted a great crowd of more than 170 attendees at the Davis Barn in Wauchula for the estimate luncheon. When the number was read, a real sense of relief swept over the gathering. Now we just have our fingers crossed that the fruit stays on the tree.
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