Though modern ag-tech has developed some mechanized processes for reaping fresh berries, widespread commercial adoption of such remains far off. Thus, of the nearly 27 billion pounds of American strawberries harvested in 2021, all but a few pints were picked by hand. That, folks, requires some intensive labor! But besides the sheer scale of workers needed to harvest strawberries, two more aspects of the industry prove extremely challenging: the availability of local labor and the seasonality of picking.
Florida’s strawberry season has officially kicked off, with USDA already reporting a few truckloads moving to grocery stores. While we eagerly anticipate picking up some of those fresh berries in the produce section, it will be a little bit before harvest is in full swing. So, in the meantime, let’s take a minute to discuss an aspect of the industry most might not consider very often: the frozen strawberry complex. Americans are blessed: most of us can access multitudinous fresh fruit varieties year round, including strawberries.
With the New Year upon us, many are setting resolutions. If it is not already on your list, add keeping good farm records to your list. Keeping records supports details and inventory when you need to purchase crop insurance or submit documents for loan requests, USDA filing and taxes.
How do I initiate a claim?
Call your crop insurance agent and follow up in writing/email (keep a copy for your records). Your crop insurance company will arrange for a loss adjuster to inspect your crop. It is your responsibility to call your crop insurance agent and initiate this process.
As we brace for potential impact from Hurricane Dorian, it is important that farmers and ranchers are prepared. The next few days are the perfect opportunity to ensure that your operation and your family are prepared for damages that may occur. Check out our hurricane preparedness tips.
Are you transitioning your family farm business to the next generation? Farm Credit of Central Florida understands how important it is to prepare the next generation to take over the family business. To help, we are bringing you five tips for consideration from our local farmers and ranchers who have already gone through the transition or are in the middle of the transition. Click below to watch our succession tips!
Effectively marketing small farm products can allow you to reach future customers you wouldn’t be able to reach in an everyday setting. When marketing your farm products be sure to differentiate yourself from others, travel to farm-related events, and network with current and prospective buyers.
Below are some questions to ask when developing your marketing plan.
In celebration of National Dairy Month, we are sharing The McClellan's story!
In this episode, we toured M & B Dairy as well as M & B Products. The McClellan family works hard to produce a fresh and healthy product that is enjoyed by kids all over the state of Florida. The passion they have for the industry has become the culture within their business.
Be on the lookout for the next Real Farms, Real Stories video. Like and follow our page for updates. At, Farm Credit of Central Florida we provide financing for Farms, Homes, and Land.
Ever wonder where those beautiful tropical fish you see in the pet stores come from? In this episode, we tour Urban Tropical, a local tropical fish farm in Lakeland, Fl, which specializes in breeding high-quality ornamental freshwater tropical fish that are sold to local pet stores. Brittany Hollon, the operations officer, shares how her father started the business out of his love for fishing and eventually became one of the largest Angelfish fish farms in the United States.
In this episode of Real Farms, Real Stories, Pamela Fay shares a glimpse into their wild hog farm, Shogun Farms. Pamela and her husband David began trapping wild hogs from private, commercial, and government properties. However, David is a firm believer that you should eat whatever you harvest, which led to the beginning of Shogun Farms. Watch their story here!
Be on the lookout for the next Real Farms, Real Stories video. Like and follow our page for updates. At, Farm Credit of Central Florida we provide financing for Farms, Homes, and Land.
