Paul Rusnak

2 weeks 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).

3 weeks 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.

3 weeks ago | growingproduce.com | Paul Rusnak

It’s been hot. In fact, it has been really hot across the entire globe. The last two years were Earth’s warmest on record, according to NOAA. 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 NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information says last month was the second-warmest April on record. The “record” spans 175 years (1850-2025).

3 weeks ago | growingproduce.com | Paul Rusnak

Being a Florida citrus grower in today’s world is not for the faint of heart. Challenges have been unrelenting in recent years. So, when something positive occurs, the industry galvanizes to speak up and take action. There are two recent developments to give Florida citrus growers something to feel good about. The first is the latest crop estimate from USDA. The other is proposed legislation in the Florida Senate to help save the industry.

1 month ago | growingproduce.com | Paul Rusnak

The quest to conquer citrus greening (aka, HLB) is one of epic proportions. Looking at this season’s citrus crop estimates confirms that fact. Attacking this challenge from all angles is necessary. Newly developed citrus varieties and rootstocks with an improved tolerance for HLB could be the ultimate answer. The Florida Foundation Seed Producers (FFSP) and New Varieties Development and Management Corp (NVDMC) are teaming up to bring six new, promising varieties to the table.