What does the ‘Tasti-Lee’ tomato and the ‘Sweet Sensation‘ strawberry have in common? Perhaps you’re not quite sure. Here’s another clue: Add to those noteworthy accomplishments a copious amount of cutting-edge research being conducted to bring a Florida-grown artichoke and/or a craft beer featuring locally grown hops to market.
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Welcome To The 2016 Florida Ag Expo
A sunny, breezy, balmy morning greeted visitors as they filtered into the 2016 Florida Ag Expo outdoor display area.
Photo by Frank Giles
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The Right Track
The outdoor display area of the 2016 Florida Ag Expo was peppered with some of the industry's finest field equipment. Beck Brothers Citrus brought some heavy iron to the party. This fire-engine red MTZ tractor turned heads.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Old School Meets Modern Day
A 2016 Florida Ag Expo attendee checks out Cleber LLC's Oggùn tractor, a machine that harkens back to the roots of farming. Accoring to the company, the design is based off a 1949 Allis Chalmers Model G.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Now Leading Off ...
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) Director Dr. Jack Rechcigl welcomes the crowd inside the facility's auditorium to the 2016 Florida Ag Expo. This year marked the 11th running of the industry event.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Scientifically Speaking
Dr. Jack Payne, Senior VP of UF/IFAS, gave an inspiring/enlightening welcome address to those in the education auditorium. With all of the UF/IFAS administration in attendance, too, it is obvious how much weight the Florida Ag Expo carries.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Group Discussion
The education session at the 2016 Florida Ag Expo kicked off with a lively panel discussion on maximizing use and effectiveness of biopesticides. The participants included [from left] Mike Riffle, Valent U.S.A.; Jamie Williams, Lipman Produce; Gary Vallad, UF/IFAS GCREC; and Chuck Obern, C&B Farms.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Class Is In Session
The education auditorium was filled with attendees interested in learning about the latest trends in biopesticide management and gaining insight from several of the industry's movers and shakers.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Breaking Down Biorationals
Mike Riffle of Valent U.S.A. addresses a question from the audience during the 2016 Florida Ag Expo panel discussion on biopesticides. To better connect with consumers, he suggested the term "biorational" be incorporated more often to help thwart any negative perceptions the public might have about this particular crop protection method. Jamie Williams of Lipman Produce agrees growers need to take advantage early and often to be more transparent and explain how farming really works.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Audience Participation
The opening panel discussion on biopesticide use and management lasted for more than an hour. There was plenty of interjection from the crowd. Local berry grower Carl Grooms puts in his two cents about how the word "biopesticide" can be misconstrued. He made an argument for calling it "plant medicine" instead of a pesticide.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Biopesticide Banter
Chuck Obern of C&B Farms gives his take on biopesticides during a panel discussion during the 2016 Florida Ag Expo. Obern stressed the importance of efficacy and cost. He said: "Biorationals do work. [With so many options] You just have to figure it out." Dr. Gary Vallad, GCREC, waits his turn to respond.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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What To Do About Whiteflies?
The emerging threat of the Q-biotype whitefly this past year earned it a prime time spot among the 2016 Florida Ag Expo educational session lineup. [From left] Lance Osborne, UF/IFAS MFREC; Cindy McKenzie, USDA (Ft. Pierce); and Hugh Smith, UF/IFAS GCREC discussed the hot topic. Osborne told the crowd: "It can be manageable. Just beware." Smith noted four steps researchers are proactively taking to prevent or mitigate a possible disaster: 1. Culture populations of the Q-biotype found in Florida; 2. Test for suceptibility to key insecticides; 3. Develop management guidelines for the industry; and 4. Evaluate competitiveness of the Q-biotype under Florida conditions.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Three's Company
During designated breaks in the Florida Ag Expo's busy schedule, attendees had a chance to network with their peers and carry on conversation that started in the session room.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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The Social Network
In addition to networking and visiting with the tradeshow vendors, attendees used breaks in the action to catch up with colleagues, exchange ideas, and swap stories.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Quantum Leap
Scores of industry suppliers set up displays inside and outside of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center showcasing the latest and greatest products and services for the industry.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Technical Support
Ag technology is here to stay. Several suppliers featured exhibits sporting the latest gadgets for crop protection and management.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Kennco Can-Do
It's always nice to see familiar faces. Kennco Manufacturing, a local longtime supporter of the Florida Ag Expo, was again at its familiar spot right outside the entrance of the main tent. Paul Ryan (right) and Adam Everson were representing.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Staking A Claim
Those looking for a juicy stake didn't have to venture far at the 2016 Florida Ag Expo.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Looking Up
Florida Ag Expo participant VertiGro showed off its wares to inform those seeking knowledge about vertical farming.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Hyping Hemp
There was a steady stream of visitors to Florida Hemp Processing's exhibit area during the 2016 Florida Ag Expo. The vendor, exhibiting for the first time at the Expo, had printed information, goods made from hemp, as well as food samples on display.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Come In, Stay For Awhile
ICL Specialty Fertilizers wanted to go above and beyond for 2016 Florida Ag Expo attendees by providing a lounge space not only for refuge from the elements, but also to learn while taking a break from the heat.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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A Big Fan Of The Expo
American Tow & Blow toted a very high-profile piece of equipment with them to the 2016 Florida Ag Expo. This portable wind machine is designed to fight/prevent frost damage.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Down To Work
EPA's Richard Pont spoke to 2016 Florida Ag Expo attendees about new Worker Protection Standard regulations. Growers, researchers, as well as reps from industry associations took note of the many details divulged.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Time For Lunch
One line item always on the Florida Ag Expo agenda guaranteed to bring everyone together is lunch.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Chop Chop
Good BBQ has become a staple at every Florida Ag Expo.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Meet And Eat
BBQ chicken, pulled pork, garden salad, and cobbler were on the menu for the 2016 Florida Ag Expo.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Put It In Park
As far as the eye could see, vehicles of all types (mostly pickups) filled the parking area adjacent to the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Nearly 800 people showed up for the 2016 Florida Ag Expo.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Berry Interesting
The first pit stop of the 2016 Florida Ag Expo Plant Health field tour included insight on noteworthy strawberry pests, including mites, armyworms, and pamera bugs. In addition, chilli thrips, which has become an emerging problem, was brought up in the conversation. GCREC Entomologist Justin Renkema led the discussion during this layover.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Field Notes
The 2016 Florida Ag Expo field tours also offered the opportunity to gather needed CEUs.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Postharvest Punditry
Dr. Steve Sargent was present and eager to give the lowdown on diagnosing postharvest disorders and diseases of fresh fruits and vegetables. Specimens on display included bell peppers, strawberries, squash, spinach, and tomatoes.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Nematode Know-How
UF/IFAS researcher Johan Desaeger dug into the subject of nematodes during an early stop along the Plant Health field tour. His area of expertise includes evaluating new chemicals and biologicals, as well as optimizing existing fumigant practices.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Sam I Am
Dr. Sam Hutton of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center discussed trends in tomato breeding during the Horticulture field tour.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Can't Resist This
The Horticulture field tour at this year's Florida Ag Expo included virus-inoculated demonstration plots of tomato hybrids with TYLCV resistance. This side-by-side image shows the control [left] vs. a genetically modified (enhanced with a pepper gene) planting. To those even with untrained eyes, the difference between the two was striking.
Photos by Frank Giles
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In The Weeds
UF/IFAS researcher Nathan Boyd covered the topics of not only weed control in vegetables with fumigants, buy also fumigant/herbicide programs for vegetable production during his portion of the 2016 Florida Ag Expo Plant Health field tour.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Weed Whackers
During the Plant Health field tour, results from various fumigant/herbicide collaboration programs were reviewed. It appears this combo worked pretty well.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Playing The Field
Without a doubt, the Florida Ag Expo field tours are one of the most popular attractions of the event -- they always have been. At this stop, this group got an up-close look at how some of the latest tomato varieties are holding up.
Photo by Frank Giles
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All Aboard
Horticulture field tour attendees grab some shade inside the wagon and scan through handouts listing tomato variety trial results.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Plant Health Primer
During the Plant Health leg of the 2016 Florida Ag Expo field tours, Dr. Gary Vallad covered multiple bases including copper alternatives for managing bacterial spot of tomato, demonstration of a supplemental fumigation strategy for managing Fusarium wilt of tomato, and evaluation of fungicides for the management of vegetable diseases. When it comes to fighting diseases -- bacteria in particular -- Vallad says there is no black and white, only gray areas.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Tour Guides
A wind-burned plot of squash shudders in the breeze as 2016 Florida Ag Expo Plant Health field tour attendees stroll by.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Something's Brewing
Among the stops along this year's Florida Ag Expo Horticulture field tour was a growing plot of hops. Shinsuke Agehara of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center is leading studies to find out what kind of potential and viability this alternative crop could have for Florida growers in the future.
Photo by Frank Giles
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High On Hops
There is expanding interest among growers in hops as an alternative crop. According to Dr. Jack Payne, hops grown at the GCREC are now being used in the Beach Blonde craft beer selection from local microbrewer 3 Daughters Brewing.
Photo by Frank Giles
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Gathering Spot
Even after 11 years, the Florida Ag Expo is still going strong.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
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Please Come Again
Overall, the 2016 Florida Ag Expo was a success. Next year's event is slated for Nov. 8, 2017. See you there.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
The answer? These recent successes and present-day initiatives and more all are the work spearheaded by UF/IFAS researchers — in particular, the team based at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, the location of the 2016 Florida Ag ExpoSM held last week.
The one-day gathering featured a full educational session agenda, hands-on pest and disease identification workshops, field tours, and a sprawling tradeshow. Though counting as separate pieces of the Expo, all of those elements were connected by a common thread: science. The progression of research being done and carried out to enhance varieties, production practices, technology and automation, as well as the chemistries for crop protection, is truly something to marvel.
Jack Payne, Senior VP of UF/IFAS, is particularly proud of his team, and he expressed that sentiment during his welcome address. He made note of recent and still-to-come breakthroughs in blueberries, worthwhile investments in greenhouse structures to take strawberries to a new level, the quest for a disease-resistant tomato, and the endeavors already in motion to find a viable alternative crop in hops, artichokes, and more.
Great Lettuce Varieties You'll Want To Grow in 2024
In addition to recognizing the exemplary efforts of researchers across the state, Payne also brought to the attention of the crowd the fact that all of UF/IFAS’ administration were in attendance alongside them. Payne pointed to the Florida Ag Expo as such an important event that he invited his entire leadership team — including the directors of all 12 UF/IFAS research centers and 14 academic department chairs — to Balm to participate. To them and everyone else, Payne delivered a powerful take-home message. “The future of agriculture here involves science,” he stressed. “Expect great things from IFAS.”
Scan the photo gallery above for a comprehensive compilation of images captured and information gathered during the 2016 Florida Ag Expo.
015Power Of Science Steals Spotlight At 2016 Florida Ag Expo
Paul Rusnak is the Senior Online Editor for Meister Media Worldwide's Specialty Crops Division, which consists of American Vegetable Grower, American Fruit Grower, and Greenhouse Grower magazines, all Meister Media brands. He is based in Northeast Florida. See all author stories here.
November 7, 2016 
