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Dixie County Residents: Exciting Updates from the SWFREC Newsletter
The latest newsletter from the University of Florida’s Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) brings some exciting news that could impact our local agricultural community here in Dixie County. The newsletter is filled with research updates, opportunities for education, and important events that are relevant to farmers, students, and anyone interested in the future of agriculture in Florida.
International Collaboration in Citrus Research
One of the standout features in this edition is about a recent exchange program involving agricultural graduate students from the University of Florida and Universitat Politecnica de Valencia in Spain. This collaboration allows students to share research and best practices, particularly in citrus farming. Dr. Ute Albrecht from SWFREC and her students recently traveled to Spain to learn about innovative methods in citrus production, which could lead to new ideas for local growers in Dixie County. Sharing knowledge across borders can help improve the quality and yield of our citrus crops, which are vital for Florida’s economy.
Citrus Industry Conference Highlights
Dixie County’s agricultural community will also want to pay attention to findings shared by local researchers at the recent Citrus Industry Annual Conference. Dr. Albrecht discussed the benefits of oxytetracycline (OTC) injections, a treatment that helps combat Huanglongbing, or citrus greening—an ongoing challenge for citrus growers everywhere. Dr. Tara Wade also presented on the adoption of these treatments and their outcomes. This kind of research is crucial for our local citrus industry, especially as many farms in Dixie depend on healthy citrus production.
Citrus Growers’ Institute and Media Coverage
The SWFREC was featured in Specialty Crop Grower magazine, highlighting the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute conference. Dr. Albrecht presented findings from research trials showing that trunk injection therapy is improving both the yield and quality of citrus fruit. This is promising news for local growers who are looking for effective ways to enhance their production.
Upcoming Events to Mark on Your Calendars
There are also some important events on the horizon that could be beneficial for residents interested in agriculture. The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is scheduled for August 20-21, 2025, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. This is a great opportunity for local farmers to learn more about emerging trends and technologies in agriculture. Additionally, the UF/IFAS Florida Tomato Conference will take place on September 4, 2025, in Clewiston, which will provide valuable insights for those involved in tomato farming.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
These updates underscore the ongoing efforts of researchers and educators at SWFREC to support agricultural communities like ours in Dixie County. By participating in upcoming events and staying informed about the latest research, local residents can gain valuable knowledge that could enhance their farming practices and contribute to the sustainability of our local agriculture.
For more details on these updates and to explore additional resources, be sure to check out the full newsletter here.
References
Untitled. (n.d.). swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu. https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/docs/pdf/swfrec-update/25-06-18-SWFREC-eNews.pdf