In Focus: Four Questions With Ryan Edmonds
May 1, 2010 1. Florida Grower (FLG): Given the recent actions by EPA in regard to water regulation, how important are BMPs to Florida ag?
Edmonds: “There is no doubt that water regulation will play an increasing role in Florida agricultural production. BMPs will undoubtedly continue to be a focus for any grower across the country. If you want to continue to farm, you will need to adopt many of these practices. They can be costly and tedious to implement, but they are becoming necessary.”
2. FLG: Is Helena supportive of the BMP program?
Edmonds: “We are supportive to the idea, but realize the difficulty of following them. BMPs are forcing us to be as efficient as possible. We need to make every dollar go further to survive. I think growers are more knowledgeable today than they were 10 years ago, but they are forced into being experts on a number of different fronts. They are being regulated to the point of insanity and it is only going to get harder.”
3. FLG: What are some of the major production challenges you are hearing from Florida growers?
Edmonds: “Besides the three freezes this year? From fumigation practices changing, increasing water regulation, increasing emphasis on food safety, to worker protection rules changing, the Florida farmer does not know where to turn. It is a moving target, but we have some crafty growers here, and I think they will get through.”
4. FLG: Are there any new products and/or services from Helena you would like to share?
Edmonds: “We have some products that have been around for a while, but have seemed to be a nice fit for the current topics we have discussed. Hydra Hume is our 12% humic acid product. We have liquid and granular formulations. Humic acids promote good soil structure and increase water holding capacity of the soil. Biologically, they affect the activities of microorganisms. Chemically, they serve as an absorption and retention complex for inorganic plant nutrients. Long story short, they reduce leaching and keep your nutrients where they need to be and in an available form. Another product we have that’s a great fit for BMPs is Grounded. Grounded is designed to improve the deposition, efficacy, and absorption of soil- and foliar-applied pesticides. Grounded’s main advantage is the prevention of active ingredients from leaching (particularly in sandy soil with low organic matter). This enhances the absorption of your active ingredient. Basically, you get your active ingredient where it needs to be and for an extended period. This is very important as glyphosate becomes less effective and regulations are forcing us to manage water quality at unforeseen levels.”
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