Griffin Blog
-
A Look at the Fall Beef Industry
See the trends, conditions, and forecasts that are driving the fall beef industry in Florida and the rest of the country. “We are in uncharted waters with this market,” shared Hannah Baker, the State Specialized Extension Agent for Beef and Forage Economics for UF/IFAS Extension, in a recent UF/IFAS blog. The piece looked at the…
-
UF/IFAS Creates Tractor Safety Videos for Florida Farmers
Put safety first and avoid the worst when it comes to using tractors with a new series of tractor safety videos for Florida farmers. The Ag Industry is one of the most dangerous, with “23 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers” every year, according to a UF/IFAS blog citing statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.…
-
Managing Greasy Green
Find out what the latest citrus disorder is—greasy green—and how to manage it in your Florida citrus grove. “A citrus disorder called greasy green has plagued Florida grapefruit producers for several years, causing a significant reduction in profits,” shared a Citrus Industry article. It’s “a disorder where fruit, particularly grapefruit, remain green despite degreening treatments.…
-
Congratulations to the Florida 2025 4R Advocates
See the details of the 2025 4R Advocates who have been named as nutrient stewards in The Sunshine State. The Fertilizer Institute announced its 2025 4R Advocates in August, and a Florida-based grower and nutrient retailer were named as one of three groups of advocates from around the country. Griffin Fertilizer was honored to be…
-
Key Factors to Improving Brix in Sweet Oranges
Florida citrus growers can explore all of the key factors to improving brix in sweet oranges and juice quality in the HLB era. A UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article shared that “Poor fruit quality has long been a significant hurdle for sweet orange growers in the HLB era.” It maintained that “With high fruit…
-
Meet the 2026 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees
Explore the contributions of the 2026 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees, who were announced in mid-September. The 2026 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees were announced in mid-September. According to the Florida Hall of Fame website, the induction “honors men and women who have made lasting contributions to agriculture in this state and to…
-
Testing for Micronutrients, Part 2
Explore your options, plus tips and tricks, for testing for micronutrients, to give your crops the perfect amount and no more! In our last blog, we discussed the importance of micronutrients, like boron, zinc, iron, copper, and more; these small elements can have a big impact on the yield and quality of your crop. However,…
-
A Look at Micronutrient Toxicity, Part 1
Read about the need for micronutrients, and the dangers—and signs—of micronutrient toxicity for growers. Micronutrients “play an outsized role in your crop’s success,” maintained a Growing Produce article. Research is uncovering the importance of these small elements—like boron, zinc, iron, copper, and more—all the time. Nutritional management is moving beyond focusing on only “the big…
-
The 5Rs of Citrus Production for Sustainability , Part 2
See the last two of the five areas—the 5Rs of citrus production for sustainability—that help citrus stay productive in the HLB era. We shared the first three of five strategies that are a part of the 5Rs of sustainable citrus production in our last blog. These strategies come from Davie Kadyampakeni, a UF/IFAS associate professor,…
-
The 5Rs of Sustainable Citrus Production, Part 1
See three of the five areas—termed the 5Rs of sustainable citrus production—that are needed to keep citrus trees productive in the HLB era. The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo saw UF/IFAS associate professor Davie Kadyampakeni led a citrus seminar on 5Rs of sustainable citrus production, according to a Citrus Industry article. According to the article, integration of…
-
Attend the 2025 Hemp Field Day
See the details of the 2025 Hemp Field Day, scheduled for September 9th and put on by UF/IFAS TREC. The 2025 Hemp Field Day promises “a fun and educational day in the hemp fields in 2025.” Scheduled for early September, the free event is for everyone; the EventBrite registration page assures that “Whether you’re a…
-
Tips for Citrus Soil Moisture Sensors
Find tips from UF/IFAS on installing and using citrus soil moisture sensors for accurate water management. Accurate water management is “critical for citrus growers,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week, especially “during Florida’s rainy and hurricane season. The article advised that “Soil moisture sensors (SMSs) can be used as a baseline tool for making…
-
Attend the Florida Tomato Conference September 4th
The Florida Tomato Conference, presented by UF/IFAS and the Florida Tomato Committee, is slated for September 4th in Clewiston, Florida. Florida tomato growers should plan to attend the upcoming Florida Tomato Conference, presented by The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Tomato Committee. Florida leads the country in…
-
Attend Citrus Mutual’s Grower Information Meetings in Early September
Citrus Mutual is hosting Grower Information Meetings in early September to share information and updates with Florida citrus growers. Florida citrus growers should plan to attend Citrus Mutual’s Grower Information Meetings in the early days of September. According to a Citrus Industry article, the meetings are being held “to provide citrus producers with the latest…
-
Details of the FFVA Annual Convention
The FFVA Annual Convention is coming up in September, “Convening the leading voices in Florida agriculture.” The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is gearing up for it’s 81st Annual Convention in early September. The event website maintained, “This year’s convention will bring together the leading voices in Florida agriculture for thought-provoking conversations on the…
-
Scientific Research on Fruit Drop in Citrus
See what the scientific research from UF/IAS says about combating fruit drop in citrus the Florida citrus industry. “Fruit drop has become one of the biggest challenges for Florida citrus growers, especially in groves hit hard by HLB,” shared a Citrus Industry article about the latest research into combating fruit drop in citrus. Disease, hurricanes,…
-
The Latest on CRISPR Gene Editing in Citrus
Read about the latest advances with CRISPR gene editing in citrus in the race to stop citrus greening and renew the Florida citrus industry. Citrus greening, or HLB, has reduced citrus production by more than 90% in Florida, and it is spreading to other citrus-growing states. Solutions and cures are being investigated through multiple avenues,…
-
UF/IFAS is Again Offering the Sustainable Urban Food Production Short Course
See the details of the popular Sustainable Urban Food Production Short Course offered by UF/IFAS in October. “One of the most powerful things we can do is to show people is where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and how it impacts people’s life and the environment,” UF/IFAS associate professor of landscape ecology, Jiangxiao…
-
Tips for Managing Asian Citrus Psyllids in Citrus
See what the research says when it comes to managing Asian citrus psyllids in citrus groves in Florida and in “protected structures.” “Although there is no permanent solution for HLB yet, psyllid suppression reduces its impact,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article; research has shown there is still a payoff for reducing Asian…
-
Potassium and Sweeter Oranges
Read about what the research says concerning the relationship between potassium and sweeter oranges, among the other effects of potassium. A Citrus Industry article maintained that “Potassium plays a vital role in plant health, affecting photosynthesis, sugar movement and crop quality.” The macronutrient’s effect on sugar means it also affects the sweetness and taste profile…
-
Attend the Herd Health Seminar
Get the details of the Herd Health Seminar, slated for August 21st in Plant City, for Florida beef producers. Florida beef producers looking to improve the profitability of their beef production should attend the Herd Health Seminar in August. Put on by the South Florida Beef-Forage Program of the UF/IFAS Extension Service, the event aims…
-
Mitigating Cattle Heat Stress, Part 2
See recommendations from UF/IFAS for combating cattle heat stress during Florida’s hot and humid summers. “Florida’s summer heat is only going to test us more in the years ahead,” shared a UF/IFAS blog, adding that preparing now will make it easier in the long run. We shared information from it in our own blog about…
-
Heat and Your Florida Beef Herd, Part 1
See the effects the heat has on your Florida beef herd, an important point with temperatures on the rise every year. “This year’s relentless heat waves have many of us watching cattle and pastures more closely than ever;” shared a UF/IFAS blog about the effects of the summer heat on your Florida beef herd, and…
-
Takeaways from Nutrient Rate Studies
See the takeaways so far from nutrient rate studies being conducted across The Sunshine State by UF/IFAS researchers. UF/IFAS researchers have been conducting nutrient rate studies all across Florida to revamp nutrient guidelines for Florida citrus growers. This is because “current nutrient management guidelines were developed based on data prior to the spread of HLB,…
-
Ag Financial Planning Workshop Set for August 7th
See the details of an Ag financial planning workshop given by UF/IFAS for Florida farmers and ranchers in August. “Running a successful farm or ranch takes more than just hard work — it takes smart financial planning,” advised a UF/IFAS blog about an upcoming Ag financial planning workshop. It added that “To support these efforts,…
-
Tips for Cover Crop Use
Find tips from UF/IFAS experts on cover crop use, both for growing and terminating cover crops. “As cover crops are planted to improve soil health and are not harvested for profit, you want them to require as little effort on your part as possible,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It also shared…
-
Leaf Tissue Analysis is Other Part of a Good Citrus Fertilization Program
Explore tips for conducting leaf tissue analysis to, along with soil testing, round out your citrus fertilization program. In a recent blog, we shared tips on soil testing from UF/IFAS, which researchers labeled as “a key to building a good citrus fertilization program.” The other key, according to the same UF/IFAS researchers, is leaf tissue…
-
Florida Revises Greenbelt Law
See the changes that The Sunshine State recently made to the Greenbelt Law, the tax classification of agricultural land. As of July 1st, Florida’s tax package became law, and it includes a provision that changes Florida’s Greenbelt Law, according to a Citrus Industry article. Per the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward website, “Florida, like most states,…
-
Soil Sampling for a Good Fertilization Program
See tips guided by UF/IFAS research on soil sampling for a good fertilization program in Florida citrus. “Soil sampling is one of two keys to building a good citrus fertilization program…” advised a Citrus Industry article about a publication authored by UF/IFAS researchers on soil sampling for a good fertilization program; the publication was aimed…
-
Brown Rot Management Tips
See the “Best Practices” for brown rot management for Florida citrus growers from a UF/IFAS CREC researcher. “The Florida rains have finally come this summer, just in time for early-season fruit to start the maturation process,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. Unfortunately, “This means there is some risk of brown rot in…
-
Tips on Asian Citrus Psyllid Management
See advice from a UF/IFAS entomologist on the essentials of Asian citrus psyllid management for Florida citrus growers. “ACP control is essential.” That was the message delivered by UF/IFAS entomologist Lukasz Stelinski in the June episode of the All In For Citrus podcast, according to a Citrus Industry article. He maintained that “The strategies to control…
-
Growing Vanilla in Florida
Explore the fundamentals on what and where to grow from UF/IFAS on growing vanilla in Florida as a cash crop. “Vanilla (Vanilla spp.) is a promising new cash crop for south Florida because of rising demand for powdered vanilla extract and increasing preference for natural and authentic flavors,” a UF/IFAS blog post article shared. It…
-
A Look at Silicon in Citrus
See the details of using silicon in citrus as an input that has some serious benefits for Florida citrus growers. “Silicon was officially recognized as a “plant beneficial substance” in 2012,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, adding that “silicon (Si) is an emerging powerhouse in citrus production, offering wide-ranging benefits for…
-
UF/IFAS Document on Injections of Oxytetracycline: Part 3: Intervals and Safety
A publication by UF/IFAS researchers includes information on intervals and safety when giving injections of oxytetracycline. We’ve recently published blogs that shared information on “Best Practices” for injections of oxytetracycline from a document, “Suggested Use Pattern of Injectable Antimicrobials for Huanglongbing (HLB) Management,” created by UF/IFAS associate professors; one on timing and one on tips…
-
UF/IFAS Document Shares Tips on Injecting Oxytetracycline: Part 2: Injection Considerations
UF/IFAS researchers share tips on injecting oxytetracycline for Florida citrus growers. In the latest efforts to combat citrus greening, also called HLB, Florida citrus growers are injecting oxytetracycline into their citrus trees to combat the bacteria that causes the disease. In March 2025, several UF/IFAS researchers issued “Suggested Use Pattern of Injectable Antimicrobials for Huanglongbing…
-
New UF/IFAS Document Advises on Oxytetracycline Injections: Part 1: Timing
See recommendations and tips on timing for Florida citrus growers utilizing oxytetracycline injections to combat citrus greening. Many Florida citrus growers are utilizing oxytetracycline injections in their citrus groves to combat the effects of citrus greening, also called HLB, and to help their trees recover from the effects of the disease. In March 2025, several…
-
Research Update on HLB-Tolerant Rootstocks
UF/IFAS has released information on their research concerning HLB-tolerant rootstocks developed in the fight against citrus greening. “Utilizing tolerant rootstocks to combat HLB is a long-term management strategy that can help sustain productivity and enhance tree survival, especially when implemented alongside other HLB management approaches,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It shared…
-
Origin of Bee Colony Collapses Identified
Researchers with USDA/ARS feel their research has pinpointed the cause of the recent bee colony collapses. “Our nation’s food supply thrives, and is sustained, by the work of our pollinators,” said Joon Park, an Acting ARS Administrator, in a Citrus Industry article. Unfortunately, there has been a rash of bee colony collapses in 2025, but researchers…
-
Details of the Florida Department of Citrus’s Replanting Strategy
Explore the details of the replanting strategy laid out by the Florida Department of Citrus for utilizing funds approved for investment. Marisa Zansler, Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) director of economic and market research recently gave a presentation at the June Florida Citrus Commission meeting concerning the $140 million “investment in the Florida citrus industry” approved…
-
Research Results on Summer Gibberellic Acid Applications
Find out what the research conducted by UF/IFAS says about summer gibberellic acid applications for Florida citrus. “In recent years, many citrus growers in Florida have begun using gibberellic acid (GA) to enhance tree growth and productivity,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It added, “Initially, the recommendation was to apply GA monthly…
-
Attend the FFAA 93rd Annual Meeting
The FFAA 93rd Annual Meeting is coming up, slated for July 8th– 10th in Manalapan Florida! The Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association (FFAA) is holding its 93rd Annual Meeting in July! The FFAA is “a research organization that has branched out to represent its fertilizer, limestone, crop protection, and ag biotech member companies professionally in the…
-
Prepare Your Florida Ag Operation for Hurricane Season
See advice from the USDA on preparing your Florida ag operation for hurricane season, which started June 1st. The Atlantic Hurricane Season started on June 1st, and it’s time to get your Florida ag operation ready if you have not already done so. The USDA has shared suggestions to help farmers and ranchers prepare; they…
-
Tips for Accurate Applications in Citrus Weed Control
Find tips from UF/IFAS for maximizing the accuracy of your citrus weed control applications in your Florida grove. “Effective weed control depends on Accuracy, applying the right amount to target weeds, and Precision, making consistent passes to avoid missed areas and spray drift,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. We’ve already shared…
-
Growers Need to Take the Slug and Snail Survey
UF/IFAS researchers are looking for Florida growers to take their slug and snail survey to help guide control methods. “Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are asking growers to participate in a survey about slug and snail pests affecting horticultural crops,” according to a Citrus Industry article. The…
-
Timing of OTC Injections Effects on Citrus
UF/IFAS research shows that the timing of OTC injections has effects on citrus size, Brix, and OTC residues. “The month during which oxytetracycline (OTC) injections are performed can have a considerable impact on fruit size, juice quality and OTC fruit residues,” a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article shared. The article broke down the research…
-
Q&A on Florida Citrus Diseases Part 2: Black Spot
Find information about what Florida citrus diseases, like black spot, are problematic in the grove right now. In our last blog, we looked at a Q&A with UF/IFAS plant pathologist Megan Dewdney on Florida citrus diseases affecting Florida citrus groves, namely citrus canker. The information came from a Citrus Industry article; it also touched on…
-
Q&A on Citrus Diseases Part 1: Citrus Canker
Read about the current status of citrus diseases in Florida, like citrus canker, with a Q&A with a UF/IFAS plant pathologist. A Citrus Industry article maintains that “the rainy season in Florida is set to begin,” meaning that its time for a host of citrus diseases to set in as well. The article had answers…
-
A Look at Beef Production in 2025
See the data for beef production in 2025 thus far from UF/IFAS to plan for the rest of the year and beyond. We are close to being half-way through 2025, and the numbers are in. A UF/IFAS blog article shared the data from the first five months of 2025 and gives recommendations for looking ahead.…
-
Scouting and Treating Algal Spot in Citrus
See everything you need to know about scouting for and treating algal spot in citrus to stop the disease, including a new treatment. Algal spot is “a disease that is not always at the top of mind for growers,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, but it is one that you should…