Paul Rusnak

4 days ago | growingproduce.com | Paul Rusnak

Blackberry production in Arkansas is a growing business. Blackberry research is a big part of that. The annual Blackberry Field Day and Tour provides an ideal forum for learning about what’s new. The latest iteration of the industry event was held recently at the University of Arkansas Fruit Research Station in Clarksville.

2 weeks ago | growingproduce.com | Paul Rusnak

Time flies! Seriously. It’s now been a solid decade since I’ve started following Florida’s journey into growing hops for the burgeoning local craft beer market. Back in 2015, the possibility of actually growing hops in Florida’s less-than-hospitable environment was still a question. Since then, that question has been answered and then some — thanks in huge part to researchers at University of Florida.

2 weeks ago | growingproduce.com | Paul Rusnak

The latest “Dirty Dozen and Clean 15” lists from the Environmental Working Group are out. As part of the organization’s annual “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce,” it lists 12 fruits and vegetables that were found most contaminated with pesticides. In addition, EWG’s report also shines a light on what it calls the “Clean Fifteen,” items that tested low in concentrations of pesticide residues. This annual report is eaten up by mainstream media channels year after year.

1 month ago | growingproduce.com | Paul Rusnak

The Mixon Family is well-known in Florida agriculture circles. They achieved success and earned recognition growing blueberries under the SunnyRidge Farm Inc. banner. The Central Florida-based operation was acquired by Dole in 2011. Mixon brothers — Jerry and Keith — now are looking to make a return to their citrus roots. They recently announced the hiring of Ed Leotti, former COO of Tamiami Citrus LLC, as VP of Production to lead their expansion into growing citrus under protective screen (CUPS).

1 month ago | greenhousegrower.com | Paul Rusnak

It’s been hot. In fact, it has been really hot across the entire globe. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the last two years were Earth’s warmest on record. How is 2025 shaping up in comparison? We’re more than a third through the year. So, let’s see where we stand when it comes to temperature trends. The latest report from the NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information says last month was the second-warmest April on record.