Griffin Blog
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Take The Postfreeze Damage Assessment Survey
UF/IFAS is asking Florida agriculturists to take their postfreeze damage assessment survey about the impacts of freeze events. Florida’s recent freezing weather event hit the agriculture industry hard, and the experts at UF/IFAS are trying to figure the extent of the damage. They are asking Florida agriculturists to take the postfreeze damage assessment survey to…
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Steps for Assessment and Reporting After Freeze Events
With Florida’s recent cold weather, see the steps for assessment and reporting after freeze events for agriculture. “Florida has experienced several low-temperature and freeze events between late December 2025 and early February 2026,” shared a recent UF/IFAS blog article. It recommends ag producers in The Sunshine State visit UF/IFAS Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) website,…
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Immediate Recommendations for Growers On Citrus Tree Recovery Process
Florida’s recent freeze event has UF/IFAS experts advising Florida citrus growers to hold off on the citrus tree recovery process. The aftermath of the latest freeze event to hit Florida likely has many growers chomping at the bit to jump into recovery mode. However, experts at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural…
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Recommendations for Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Citrus Greening-Infected Citrus
Explore recommendations from UF/IFAS for meeting the nutritional needs of citrus infected with citrus greening. “Citrus trees require optimal nutrition to be able to maintain high fruit yields, canopy size and good root health,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, adding that, “Adequate nutrition supports not only yield and growth, but also tree…
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Citrus State of the Industry Survey Results, Part 1
See results for the Citrus State of the Industry Survey concerning the state of grove conditions in the Florida citrus industry. The results from 2025 Citrus State of the Industry Survey are in. The survey was conducted by AgNet Media and published in a series of Citrus Industry articles; the first concerns Florida citrus grove…
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Remember to Remove the Support Stake for Young Citrus
Read about why it’s important to remove the support stake for young citrus, according to the experts at UF/IFAS. “In citrus nurseries and during early planting, it’s common to see metallic rebars, wire stakes, or bamboo stakes, etc., placed alongside young tree trunks. This practice gives the tree the mechanical support it needs to grow straight…
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Q&A: ReMedium TI® Grower Results
Read about ReMedium TI® grower results—oxytetracycline injections to combat citrus greening—in Florida citrus. Florida citrus growers are watching the effects of oxytetracycline injections—OTC injections—in the fight against citrus greening. Tom Johnson, the owner of TJ BioTech, which manufactures the OTC injection ReMedium TI®, shared his thoughts on ReMedium TI® grower results in a Citrus Industry Q&A article.…
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Ag Tech Trends for 2026
See the agtech trends that technology industry experts predict will be at the forefront of agriculture in 2026. “Smart technology is no longer a novelty in agriculture. It is becoming a foundational part of how farmers and ag retailers plan, operate, and respond to shifting conditions,” shared a Growing Produce article. It looked at the…
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Research Results for Using IPCs and Brassinosteroids
See UF/IFAS results concerning research on using IPCs and brassinosteroids in Florida citrus for prolonged tree health. “UF/IFAS research in the last three years has found that the combined use of individual protective covers (IPCs) and brassinosteroids (BRs) enhances protection of citrus trees against HLB and other diseases that limit citrus production in Florida,” shared…
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Put These Pests Into Your Pest Management Strategy for 2026
See the insects, mites, and more that should be a part of your pest management strategy for your Florida citrus grove. “Pest management is a year-round challenge in Florida citrus. But with knowledge of insect, mite and snail seasonal biology in relation to tree phenology, plans can be developed to protect fruit and maintain productive…
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Attend CattleCon 2026
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s CattleCon 2026 is scheduled for January 31st-February 6th in Nashville, Tennessee. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s CattleCon is fast approaching. It’s the annual convention for US beef producers featuring speakers, educational opportunities, and the opportunity to hear about the latest issues in cattle production while networking with fellow ranchers.…
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Strategies for Safe Pesticide Use
Learn about strategies for safe pesticide use in your Florida citrus grove, from the experts at UF/IFAS. “The use of pesticides in citrus groves introduces significant risks to both human health and the environment,” shared a Citrus Industry article, adding that “improper use can cause impacts to the applicator, other people or non-target organisms.” The…
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Calcium and Magnesium Deficiency in Citrus, Part 2
Explore the relationship between calcium and magnesium deficiency in Florida citrus, and what to do about it! In our last blog, we looked at magnesium deficiency in Florida citrus, thanks to the information shared in a UF/IFAS blog article; we shared information on the symptoms, causes, and solutions. However, calcium and magnesium deficiency can often…
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A Look at Magnesium Deficiency in Citrus, Part 1
UF/IFAS has put together information about the symptoms, causes, and solutions for magnesium deficiency in citrus. “Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is a problem in Florida citrus,” shared a UF/IFAS blog article. The article then shared information on the symptoms, causes, and solutions for magnesium deficiency in citrus. See the details below. Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency The…
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Pest and Disease Management Resources for Your Greenhouse or Nursery Business
Starting a greenhouse or nursery business in Central Florida? Utilize these UF/IFAS pest and disease management resources. “One of the most critical aspects of ensuring the health of your horticulture and greenhouse crops is effectively managing pests and diseases,” shared a UF/IFAS blog article; it added that “understanding how to identify common threats and implement…
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Preventing Ag Theft
Find tips for preventing ag theft—especially equipment and copper theft—and the hardships that come with it, on your ag operation. “Agricultural theft…has become a serious and expanding problem across the U.S.,” shared a Growing Produce article, adding that “Each year thieves cause an estimated five billion dollars in damage across the U.S. by stealing equipment,…
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Wish List of Citrus Food-Safety Items for the New Year
See a wish list of citrus food-safety items that the UF/IFAS Produce Safety Extension Team compiled for the new year. The UF/IFAS Produce Safety Extension Team created a list of citrus food-safety items that Florida citrus growers should have in the new year, according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It shared that “Some…
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Research Results on Cover Crops and Young Citrus
See the results of UF/IFAS research on the effects of cover crops and young citrus in Florida citrus groves. A UF/IFAS blog article shared that “Florida citrus growers continue to battle declining yields, citrus greening disease, and increasingly nutrient-poor soils. As a result, they are taking a closer look at soil-building practices such as cover crops.”…
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Reducing Spray Drift in Florida Citrus Groves
The experts at UF/IFAS shared tips for reducing spray drift in Florida citrus groves and its undesirable effects. Spray drift, or when a sprayed pesticide, herbicide, or fungicide reaches areas beyond the targeted crop, has a number of undesirable effects. It can cause damage to non-target crops and wildlife areas, kill beneficial insects like pollinators,…
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Protect Young Citrus From Herbicides
See tips from the experts at UF/IFAS for using herbicides in your Florida citrus grove to protect young citrus trees. “Young citrus trees are highly sensitive to herbicides. Even small amounts of drift onto green bark or foliage can significantly impact tree growth,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. The article shared tips…
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The Case for Dormant Sprays
Explore why dormant sprays are a good idea for citrus growers looking to knock back Asian citrus psyllid populations in the Florida citrus grove. “The strong impact of winter suppression of ACP, resulting in reduced populations during the growing season, has been observed in large-scale studies,” shared a UF/IFAS blog that advised Florida citrus growers…
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Steps to Prepare Your Citrus Grove for Cold Weather
See the UF/IFAS recommendations for when cold weather is looming in Florida and you need to prepare your citrus grove. Florida is The Sunshine State, but cold weather can still strike. A UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article shared that “Citrus trees, especially young plantings, are susceptible to cold temperatures. Damage from a single freeze…
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Benefits of the Florida Automated Weather Network Freeze Alert Tool
See the benefits of the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) freeze alert tool for Florida citrus growers. A Citrus Industry Tip of the Week article, written by UF/IFAS associate professors and Extension agents, shared that “In the winter months of December–February, you can save time, water, and money with the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN)…
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Steps for Body Condition Score Management and Winter Nutrition, Part 2
Explore the steps for body condition score management to ensure that your beef herd is getting optimal nutrition in the winter. In our last blog about the importance of body condition score in your Florida beef herd, we shared information from a UF/IFAS blog article that said, “December is one of the most critical months…
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The Importance of Body Condition Score, Part 1
See the importance of body condition score in ensuring your beef herd is in optimal condition, especially during the winter months. A UF/IFAS blog article shared that, “December is one of the most critical months for winter cattle management in Florida.” It advised that “As warm-season forage quality declines and cow nutrient requirements peak, body…
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Improve Citrus Productivity Through Irrigation, Part 2
Read about recommendations from UF/IFAS research on using irrigation to improve citrus tree productivity. “Because most citrus trees in Florida are planted in soils with low nutrient- and water-holding capacity, growers need to pay close attention to the supply of both water and nutrients,” advised a Citrus Industry article authored by UF/IFAS researchers. The article…
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Research Shows The Importance of Nitrogen in Bamboo Production
Explore the details of UF/IFAS research that examined the optimal rate of nitrogen in bamboo production in Florida. “Bamboo is emerging as a promising new specialty crop for Florida. It offers opportunities for edible shoots, timber, biomaterials, and carbon storage,” shared a recent UF/IFAS blog article. The article looked at research results into the optimal…
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Key Points to Getting an Accurate Soil Sample
See the important areas that are necessary to get an accurate soil sample to guide your nutrient management. A recent UF/IFAS blog article likened soil samples to bloodwork, noting that “Just as bloodwork requires fasting or the avoidance of certain medications to yield accurate results, soil analysis necessitates careful preparation to reflect true field conditions.”…
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Considerations for Replanting a Citrus Grove
See all the things to consider when replanting a citrus grove in Florida, based on the research done by UF/IFAS scientists. “Replanting a citrus grove can be an exciting prospect, but it’s not as simple as swapping trees,” shared a recent UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It listed all of the things to consider…
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Guide to Turfgrass Replacement
See everything you need to know if you are considering turfgrass replacement, according to the experts at UF/IFAS. “If 30% or more of your lawn is covered with weeds, bare spots, or other damage, it’s usually more practical to replace it with new sod,” maintained a UF/IFAS blog article. It added that “In many cases,…
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Research Results Into Plant Growth Regulators for Preharvest Fruit Drop
Explore the results of UF/IFAS research that studied if plant growth regulators can reduce preharvest fruit drop. A UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article started “Preharvest fruit drop is a major concern for Florida citrus growers, especially in groves affected by huanglongbing (HLB).” The article also shared that “Environmental stressors such as drought, flooding and…
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Pros and Cons of Purchasing Replacement Heifers, Part 2
Thinking about purchasing replacement heifers? Read about the pros and cons from the experts at UF/IFAS. “Statistically speaking, most producers raise their own heifers,” but there are also some who choose to buy replacement heifers, according to a UF/IFAS blog article about developing quality Florida beef heifers. The article shared the “choices you can make…
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Florida Beef and Raising Replacement Heifers, Part 1
Explore all the considerations when choosing to raise replacement heifers in Florida from the experts at UF/IFAS. “Replacing the beef cow on Florida ranches creates opportunities and challenges for ranchers,” shared a UF/IFAS blog article about developing quality Florida beef heifers. The article discussed the “choices you can make while raising your own replacement heifers…
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Q&A: Nutrients and the Timeline for Improved Citrus Due to OTC Injections
Explore why OTC injections leading to improved citrus will take time, with an explanation why fertilizers are so important. Florida citrus growers using OTC injections are looking for improved citrus, including improvements in yield and quality, as effects of the injections. However, such things take time, according to Tom Johnson, the owner of TJ BioTech,…
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Boosting Citrus Productivity Through Nutrient Management, Part 1
See recommendations from UF/IFAS research on using nutrient management to boost citrus tree productivity. “Because most citrus trees in Florida are planted in soils with low nutrient- and water-holding capacity, growers need to pay close attention to the supply of both water and nutrients,” advised a Citrus Industry article authored by UF/IFAS researchers. Florida growers…
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Deep Dive Into Brassinosteroids Research
Explore the latest brassinosteroids research to optimize using these plant growth regulators for improved juice quality. “Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of plant growth regulators with several effects on plant growth and development,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article; it looked at the latest brassinosteroids research on improving juice quality. It advised that…
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Benefits of Early Pest Scouting
See the numerous benefits for any grower in Florida agriculture of early pest scouting, from a UF/IFAS Extension agent. “Vegetable production season brings a bounty of food for us and, unfortunately, also for crop pests,” shared a UF/IFAS blog article. The article shared the many benefits of early pest scouting; see the highlights below. Early…
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Facts About NuCitrus
See facts about NuCitrus, the new citrus developed by UF scientists that has a strong tolerance to citrus greening. “Working with the UF/IFAS Crop Transformation Center, NuCitrus was developed by adding a gene to citrus that boosts its own natural defense system,” shared a UF/IFAS blog while quoting Eric Triplett, Ph.D., a professor and chair…
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Tips to Avoid Herbicide Contamination, Part 2
See tips from UF/IFAS on avoiding herbicide contamination in the citrus grove from an improperly cleaned sprayer. In our last blog, we shared ways that herbicide contamination can occur in a citrus grove from a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. “Even a small amount of leftover herbicide in the spray tank can harm citrus…
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How Herbicide Contamination Occurs, Part 1
See the ways that herbicide contamination can occur from improperly cleaned sprayers, according to UF/IFAS. “Even a small amount of leftover herbicide in the spray tank can harm citrus trees,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. There are many different ways that herbicide contamination can occur due to improperly cleaned sprayers, according to…
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Tips for Optimizing Water Management in Citrus
Find tips for optimizing water management in citrus to enhance grove health and production from UF/IFAS Extension services. Efficient water use is “a strategic practice that affects tree health, fruit quality and long-term sustainability, making it a smart agricultural practice,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It maintained that irrigation should go…
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Q&A Get Ready for the 2025–26 Trunk-Injection Season
Read a Q&A with the owner of the manufacturer of ReMedium TI® on preparing for the 2025–26 trunk-injection season. A Q&A with Tom Johnson, the owner of TJ BioTech, which manufactures ReMedium TI®—the trunk injection formulation used by Florida citrus growers—shared what growers should be doing to get ready for the 2025–26 trunk-injection season. See…
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Take the Master Irrigator Drip Irrigation Short Course
The Master Irrigator Drip Irrigation Short Course is coming in November for growers of any crop interested in drip irrigation. “Funding is currently available through a BMP Mini-Grant from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to help growers evaluate and improve the efficiency of their irrigation systems and practices through hands-on demonstrations,”…
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Attend the 57th Annual Florida Watermelon Association’s Convention
The Florida Watermelon Association’s 57th Annual Convention is scheduled for October 30th-November 1st. The Florida Watermelon Association’s 57th Annual Convention is slated for October 30th to November 1st with the theme of “Haunted Casino” to pay homage to the convention’s timing. It’s a time for Florida watermelon growers to get together, celebrate, network, and discuss…
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The Benefits of Using Silicon as a Citrus Nutrient
A UF/IFAS researcher shared the benefits of using silicon as a citrus nutrient during the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. “Silicon is categorized as a plant beneficial substance by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials and is approved for use in organic production,” shared a Citrus Industry article about UF/IFAS researcher Muhammad Shahid’s…
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Combat Diaprepes Root Weevil and More With Planting Method
Citrus scientists with Texas A&M University have developed a citrus planting method that combats diaprepes root weevil. Citrus scientists at Texas A&M University have developed a planting method for citrus that combats diaprepes root weevil and comes with many other advantages, according to a Citrus Industry article. The researchers were looking for a planting option…
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Enhance Your ACP Management Sprays
A UF/IFAS associate professor of entomology shared how Florida growers can enhance their ACP management sprays. The recent Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo saw a presentation by UF/IFAS associate professor of entomology, Jawwad Qureshi, l on enhancing ACP management sprays, according to a Citrus Industry article. ACP, or Asian citrus psyllids, spread the bacteria that causes citrus…
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Ag Statistics for National Farmers Day
See the contributions of the ag industry by the numbers in celebration of National Farmers Day, October 12th, 2025. October 12th is National Farmers Day! It’s a day to honor the hardworking people who grow and raise the food on our table and the materials we use every day. Find some facts below about agriculture…
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Fall Pest Management in the Citrus Grove
See the recommendations for pest management in the citrus grove in fall, a time when insect and mite activity can increase. In Florida, “In the hot, dry end of summer and early fall, mite populations often soar, requiring management to prevent excessive damage to fruit,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. In…
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Three Important Considerations in Citrus Crop Insurance
See the important things to consider for citrus crop insurance according to a UF/IFAS associate professor and Extension economist. “Between the 2021–22 and 2023–24 citrus seasons, Florida orange growers were more likely to receive indemnity payments under the Actual Production History (APH) crop insurance policy compared to the Dollar Amount policy. Moreover, when indemnities were…