Food and Resource Economics

Trent D. Blare, Martha Rivera, Fredy H. Ballen, Zachary Brym, andVictor Contreras

El creciente incremento de la competencia extranjera e incidencia de plagas ha hecho que muchos agricultores de Florida se pregunten acerca de la rentabilidad de cultivos tradicionales como tomate, cítricos y aguacate. El cáñamo industrial se presenta como una alternativa viable para estos productores desde que, en el año 2018, la ley agrícola permitió su producción. Para ayudar a la industria a madurar es necesaria una mejor coordinación entre los reguladores, procesadores, instituciones financieras, programas de investigación y Extensión, y el sector de venta minorista para crear confianza, así como ajustar políticas y procedimientos para disminuir el costo de transacción a lo largo de la cadena de suministro; con esto se podría asegurar que los productores, industria relacionada y consumidores se beneficien de este mercado emergente. En el presente artículo se examina la cadena de valor del cáñamo enfocada en las oportunidades de mercado en Florida.

Ariel Singerman
Other Contacts: William A. Messina, Jr.

A survey of Florida fresh citrus packers was conducted in April 2015 to collect data on their packing charges during the 2014/15 season. A total of sixteen packinghouses participated in the survey, seven from the Interior region and nine from the Indian River region. The average of their responses was computed to obtain the estimates presented in this document. 

Ariel Singerman
Other Contacts: William A. Messina, Jr.

Julio Cruz, João-Pedro Ferreira, Christa Court, and Kelsey McDaid

This publication provides a summary of the economic contributions of the citrus industry in the state of Florida during the 2020-2021 citrus marketing year. Additional details on the data sources, methodologies, and results are published in the most recent report on the economic contributions of the citrus industry in Florida from the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program. This information is intended to be used in support of informed decision making related to the citrus industry.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, and Sean Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Weizhe Weng, Michael T. Olexa, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Michael T. Olexa, Weizhe Weng, andSean M. Olevnik

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

Ariel Singerman
Other Contacts: William A. Messina, Jr. andLauren M. Diepenbrock

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, Jonathan F. Wallace, and Allen Wysocki

This document is about the essential steps and considerations for successfully selling Thoroughbred horses at public auctions. It offers practical guidance for newcomers on preparing horses for sale, setting up consignments, navigating veterinary examinations, tailoring sales presentations, and managing pricing and negotiations. The goal is to help consignors—especially beginners—understand the auction process and improve their chances of a profitable sale. Original publication date April 2002.

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, Micah Strader, and Allen Wysocki

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, Allen Wysocki, and Karl Kepner

This document explores the role of managers in ensuring associates deliver a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.  The article discusses eight agree/disagree statements to highlight common management beliefs and their impact on motivation and performance. Part 1. 

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, Allen Wysocki, and Karl Kepner

This document explores the role of managers in ensuring associates deliver a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.  The article discusses eight agree/disagree statements to highlight common management beliefs and their impact on motivation and performance. Part 2. 

Tara Wade, Kelvin Amon, Zhengfei Guan, and Craig Frey

In the United States, bell peppers are cultivated for both fresh and processed markets, with California, Florida, and Georgia producing most of the crop. Production varies across states, and, in Florida, bell pepper production varies by region within the state with growing seasons ranging from July to March for northern Florida and August to February for southern Florida. This publication provides information on conventional bell pepper acreage, volume, and pricing for the top three producing states: California, Florida, and Georgia. It will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in trends concerning specialty crop commodities. It serves as a single location where important information about the specialty crop market and production trends can be found.

Kelvin Amon, Tara Wade, Anna Mészáros, and Tori Rumenik

This publication provides information on conventional fresh market sweet corn acreage, volume, and pricing for the top four producing states: California, Florida, Georgia, and New York. (Other states produce a substantial amount of processed market sweet corn but are not the focus here.) This is one in a series of Ask IFAS publications focused on trends in Florida’s five most economically important specialty crops (excluding citrus): fresh market sweet corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, and strawberries. This information will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in trends concerning specialty crop commodities. This publication serves as a unique source summarizing important information about the specialty crop market and production trends.

Tara Wade, Kelvin Amon, Zhengfei Guan, and Wael Elwakil

This publication provides information on conventional fresh strawberry acreage, volume, and pricing for California and Florida from 2010 through 2022. It is one of a series of EDIS publications that illustrate trends in Florida’s five most economically important specialty crops, excluding citrus: strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, and sweet corn. The information in this publication will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in trends concerning specialty crop commodities. It serves as a single location where valuable information about the specialty crop market and production trends can be found.

Tara Wade, Kelvin Amon, Kevin R. Athearn, andCraig Frey

Eight states produce most US watermelons. Most of the fruit (almost 80%) are grown in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, with Florida leading in domestic production. In 2019, Florida’s watermelon output accounted for 25.2% of total US production, 24.7% of national watermelon acreage, and 29.6% of the overall US crop value. The value of Florida's watermelon output accounted for 13.2% of the state's total vegetable production. This publication provides information on both seeded and seedless conventional watermelon acreage, volume, and pricing for California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas from 2010 through 2021. It is one of a series illustrating trends in Florida’s five most economically important specialty crops, excluding citrus: tomatoes, bell peppers, watermelons, sweet corn, and strawberries. This information will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in specialty crop commodities trends.

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Marco A. Palma, andCharles R. Hall

US firms that sell nursery and garden products have become more interested in effective advertising and promotion strategies. A major question for these green industry firms is how to stimulate additional sales. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Marco A. Palma, and Charles R. Hall, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, August 2014.

Candace Lantz, Nathan Palardy, Derek Farnsworth, andAlena Poulin

This quick reference guide to federal, state, and county agricultural conservation easement acquisition programs summarizes program objectives and allowable agricultural practices and explains how programs evaluate and prioritize applications. Focuses on programs that aim to keep land in agriculture or silviculture. Aimed at Florida farmers and ranchers and county Extension agents.

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, Nora McKenzie, and Allen F. Wysocki

This document is about agritainment—an emerging business model that combines agriculture with entertainment to diversify farm income. It outlines various agritainment opportunities, such as corn mazes, farm tours, and seasonal festivals, and provides guidance on planning, marketing, and managing the risks associated with these ventures. Original publication date April 2002.

David Outerbridge, Christa D. Court, Laura Birou, Catherine Campbell, Sebastian Galindo, Eyrika Orlando, Fritz Roka, and Kelly Wilson

Extension professionals were, and in many cases still are, heavily involved in assessing how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted agribusiness operations and the broader food system. This publication describes the process that a core project team of Extension professionals and researchers from the University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University followed to design and implement an interview guide to harmonize the collection of such information from food system businesses in Florida. We discuss benefits of this method, tools that improved efficiency during implementation, and considerations for others who might want to modify and use this interview guide in their own state or region. 

Sawssan Boufous, Tara Wade, Shourish Chakravarty, Michael Andreu, Jehangir H. Bhadha, Young Gu Her, and Ziwen Yu

This publication is part of a larger body of work initiated by the UF/IFAS Extension Climate and Carbon Extension Educators that informs a general audience about climate issues and mitigation strategies. It was prepared to help Extension agents, farmers, and ranchers interested in carbon credit programs better understand the process of carbon credit trading, from credit generation to markets. Note that because carbon markets are relatively new, programs and prices are likely to change over time. This publication includes a list of resources for further information.

By Yi Li, Yetian Cai, Weizhe Weng, Johan Desaeger, and Zhengfei Guan

The economic performance of pest management practices is a critical factor when farmers make adoption decisions. Partial budget analysis is a widely used tool to evaluate the financial effects of different management practices in agricultural production. It provides an economic rationale for selecting the optimal treatment by evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the treatment. This publication explains how to employ partial budget analysis using a real-world example. It provides a step-by-step guide examining the costs and benefits of two different approaches, fumigation and nematicides, to manage nematodes on Florida's tomato farms.

Yetian Cai, Yi Li, Weizhe Weng, and Zhengfei Guan

Pests have long posed a serious challenge in agricultural ecosystems, inflicting substantial economic losses on a global scale. In agricultural production, pests are often associated with crop yield losses, leading to a reduction in farm profits. This initial publication in the An Introduction to Economic Analysis of Pest Management series aims to educate agricultural producers, Extension agents, and researchers in other disciplines about partial budgeting analysis. Partial budgeting analysis is a fundamental tool widely used to analyze the economic viability of adopting various pest-management strategies. 

Ariel Singerman, Kimberly L. Morgan, Tara Wade, Kevin R. Athearn, Chris Prevatt, Edward A. Evans, Trent D. Blare, Hayk Khachatryan, andZhengfei Guan

Enterprise budgets help farmers and ranchers estimate expenses, potential revenue, and profit. UF/IFAS provides enterprise budgets for a variety of Florida-grown commodities. These are typically built collaboratively by economists, horticulturists and agronomists, ranchers, and growers. This publication highlights key aspects of the enterprise budget as a planning tool for farm businesses. Includes links to UF/IFAS enterprise budgets and related documents specific to several Florida commodities.

Edward A. Evans and Fredy H. Ballen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Feng Wu, Zhengfei Guan, J. Jaime Arana-Coronado, and Melvin Garcia-Nazariega

A. Malek Hammami, Kuan-Ming Huang, Zhengfei Guan

Driven by its healthy and nutritious attributes, the US avocado market has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of US avocado production and trade. The US avocado market, marked by the decline of already limited US domestic production, is increasingly reliant on imports, especially those from Mexico. This overview aims to inform industry stakeholders and policymakers of the current state of the industry and offer insights into its sustainability.

Yan Heng, Hyeyoung Kim, and Lisa House

Lijun (Angelia) Chen and Lisa House

Global grapefruit production has been increasing steadily in the recent decade, reaching a historical record of 6.8 million metric tons in 2018/2019. This publication discusses grapefruit consumption as well as a grapefruit consumer survey in the United States. Written by Lijun (Angelia) Chen and Lisa House, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, May 2021.

Feng Wu and Zhengfei Guan

Blueberries are a healthy source of antioxidants and vitamins. Global demand and production have been increasing rapidly over the last decade. This publication provides an overview of the Mexican blueberry industry in terms of production, price, trade, and cultural practices. It also sheds light on factors that have contributed to the fast growth of the blueberry industry in Mexico.   

Feng Wu, Zhengfei Guan, and Alicia Whidden

Trina Biswas, Zhengfei Guan, and Feng Wu

Edward A. Evans, Fredy H. Ballen, and Jonathan H. Crane

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Edward A. Evans

Fritz M. Roka, Lisa H. House, and Katrina R. Mosley

Hannah Baker

Castration of bull calves on cow-calf operations usually improves profitability. On average over the last six years, Florida prices for steer calves have been 5% higher than prices for bull calves. In 2023, a year of record-high prices, steer prices averaged 6% higher, with the average discount for bulls at roughly $64 per head. Buyers pay more for steer calves because they are docile, and because steer carcasses are more valuable. Cattle producers are therefore encouraged to castrate bull calves. Bulls may weigh more than steers at the time of weaning, bringing what seems like a higher price, but there is a price slide for entering the heavier weight class. Determining the value of those additional pounds, and whether it is enough to make up for the discount is key. Using prices from 2023 (with prices projected to remain favorable for at least the next year), this publication allows producers to determine what a bull calf would need to weigh to receive the same price as a steer calf.

Hayk Khachatryan andAlicia Rihn

Recently, pollinator insects have received a great deal of publicity because their populations are declining.

Xuan Wei, Alicia Rihn, andHayk Khachatryan

Edward A. Evans

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, Allen Wysocki, Karl Kepner, and Michelle Glasser

This document discusses the concept of motivation in the workplace, emphasizing that motivation stems from internal factors and cannot be externally imposed by management. It highlights the importance of creating a positive motivational climate to enhance productivity. The article categorizes motivation into three levels: negative, maintenance, and positive, and identifies key motivators and de-motivators based on Herzberg’s theory. It also outlines effective motivational techniques, such as personal recognition and performance-based promotions, to foster a motivating work environment. Published May 2001.

Michael T. Olexa and Sean Olevnik

This publication is designed to provide accurate, current, and authoritative information on the subject. However, since the laws, regulations, administrative rulings, and court decisions on which it is based are subject to constant revision, portions of this publication could become outdated at any time. This publication is distributed with the understanding that the authors are not engaged in rendering legal advice or opinions, and the information contained herein should not be regarded, or relied upon, as a substitute for legal advice or opinion. For these reasons, the utilization of these materials by any person constitutes an agreement to hold harmless the authors, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and the University of Florida for any liability claims, damages, or expenses that may be incurred by any person as a result of reference to or reliance on the information contained in this fact sheet.

Charles Adams, Joy Hazell, Lisa Krimsky, Bryan Fluech, Elizabeth Staugler, John Stevely, and Robert Botta

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Edward Evans and Fredy Ballen

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, Clayton Becton, Allen Wysocki, and Karl Kepner

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, and Henry Cothran

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, and Henry Cothran

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, and Henry Cothran

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, and Henry Cothran

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, and Henry M. Cothran

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, and Henry Cothran

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, and Henry Cothran

Feng Wu, Zhengfei Guan, andMelvin Garcia-Nazariega

Strawberry is a labor-intensive crop that requires a significant amount of labor. In Florida, labor is the largest cost item in the strawberry production budget, accounting for almost 40% of total production costs (Guan, Wu, and Whidden 2017). The objective of this study is to compare labor costs between Florida and Mexican strawberry industries.

Tatiana Borisova, Serhat Asci, Burcin Unel, and Colin Rawls

Zhengfei Guan andJuhyan Oh

Tara Wade, Barbara Hyman, and Eugene McAvoy

Enterprise budgets can assist with forecasting as well as help managers coordinate resources, make production decisions, examine expenditures, and anticipate outcomes from changes in production practices. They can help producers determine what to produce, how many acres to produce, the cost of production, and the necessary price to be profitable. Describes the process used to create the 2018-19 enterprise budget for bell peppers in southwest Florida.

Tara Wade, Barbara Hyman, Eugene McAvoy, and John VanSickle

Enterprise budgets are effective planning tools for growers in search of help with forecasting, resource coordination, and better production decisions. In essence, enterprise budgets can help producers determine what to produce, how many acres to produce, the cost of production, and the necessary price to be profitable. Describes the process used to create the 2017/18 enterprise budget for tomatoes in southwest Florida and includes resources for producers interested in creating enterprise budgets for their own operations.

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andAlicia Rihn

Recent pollinator population declines have led to in-depth investigations of the causes behind decreased insect pollinator health and diversity (Goulson 2013; van de Sluijs 2013).

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andDouglas A. Phillips

Fresh blueberries have become one of Florida’s fastest-growing agricultural products. This growth aligns with growing consumer interest in local foods. Florida blueberry producers are capitalizing on demand by marketing their products with distinctive branding, particularly the Fresh From Florida logo. State production has met demand, but the Florida blueberry market faces challenges from imports from Mexico and Peru and from other US states. This publication is the first in a series designed to help local growers differentiate Florida-grown fresh blueberries in an increasingly competitive marketplace. It describes research into consumers’ purchasing preferences and awareness of locally grown fresh blueberries and identifies additional labels that can add value to existing ones to strengthen the competitive advantage of Florida-grown blueberries and attract more consumers.

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andDouglas A. Phillips

This is part 3 of the "Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries" series, whose objective is to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Florida-grown fresh blueberries by analyzing consumers’ preferences for blueberry quality attributes. Audiences include Florida blueberry growers, marketers, and retailers. We identify the most significant attributes on labels and provide recommendations on how to optimize labeling to meet consumer demand and enhance market share. Part 3 focuses on health perceptions of fresh blueberries. Many US consumers seek healthy, sustainable food options like fruits and vegetables, blueberries among them, prompting increases in production, imports, and demand for fresh blueberries over the past decade. This publication aims to help those working to promote healthy dietary patterns better understand the impact of nutrition-related statements on consumer purchasing behavior, ultimately supporting efforts to encourage healthier eating patterns.

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andDouglas A. Phillips

This is part 3 of the "Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries" series, whose objective is to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Florida-grown fresh blueberries by analyzing consumers’ preferences for blueberry quality attributes. Audiences include Florida blueberry growers, marketers, and retailers. We identify the most significant attributes on labels and provide recommendations on how to optimize labeling to meet consumer demand and enhance market share. Part 3 focuses on health perceptions of fresh blueberries. Many US consumers seek healthy, sustainable food options like fruits and vegetables, blueberries among them, prompting increases in production, imports, and demand for fresh blueberries over the past decade. This publication aims to help those working to promote healthy dietary patterns better understand the impact of nutrition-related statements on consumer purchasing behavior, ultimately supporting efforts to encourage healthier eating patterns.

Trent D. Blare, Victor Contreras, Fredy H. Ballen, Nicholas Haley, Jonathan H. Crane, andDaniel Carrillo

Florida is one of three US states (the other two being California and Hawaii) that have the climatic conditions to cultivate lychee. Given the growing consumer demand for this crop, the production of lychee has the potential to be a profitable crop for Florida growers. This publication estimates the costs and returns associated with operating a lychee grove in south and central Florida. It presents the results of field interviews with lychee growers and industry experts. Growers on average can expect to earn nearly $8,000 an acre per year from lychee production when there is a harvest, but climate variation causes inconsistent harvests. When making production decisions, growers must also consider increasing pressure from pests such as the lychee erinose mite, and strong foreign competition.