Florida Citrus Mutual Elects Directors

Josh McGillFlorida Citrus Mutual

In voting that ended April 21, Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) grower members elected a board of directors for the 2023–25 seasons.  Of FCM’s 10 districts, only districts 4 and 7 required elections. “All other districts received the correct number of nominations for available seats,” said Matt Joyner, FCM executive vice president/chief executive officer. The directors are: District 1 representing Hernando, …

Preparing for Summer Cover Crops

Josh McGillCover Crops, Tip of the Week

By Sarah Strauss The recent rains are a good reminder that it’s time to start thinking about planting summer cover crops. Despite the name, cover crops are not plants that are harvested for profit. Instead, they are planted as an investment in soil health. Annual or perennial plants can be used as cover crops in citrus groves. But, if you …

Pruning Pointers for Cold-Hardy Citrus

Josh McGillCold Hardy, Pruning

Three University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers recently authored an Extension newsletter article about pruning practices for cold-hardy citrus. Authors are Muhmmad A. Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture; Shahid Iqbal, horticultural post-doctoral associate; and Fernando Alferez, assistant professor of horticulture. Highlights from the article follow. Establishment of proper plant structure and canopy through pruning is …

What To Do When You’ve Been Exposed to a Pesticide

Josh McGillCEU

By Matt Smith Editor’s note: This article grants one continuing education unit (CEU) in the Core category toward the renewal of a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services restricted-use pesticide license when the accompanying test is submitted and approved. “In retrospect, I would rather have been a poet. Or a farmer.” Instead, British Special Air Services Agent John Patrick …

Application Tips to Protect Your Operation from Fire Ants

Josh McGillSponsored Content

If there’s one thing we know about fire ants, it’s that they spread. If left untreated, fire ant colonies will multiply and exponentially damage your operation. Eliminating fire ants takes resilience, persistence, and proper application of fire ant baits. Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait from Central Life Sciences is a product that comes with a plan, meeting USDA fire ant quarantine …