Exam

FT

What are the predominate Florida counties where sugarcane is grown?

Palm Beach and Hendry Counties; some acreage in Martin, Glades, an Highlands Counties.

Approximately, how many total acres of sugarcane (for sugar) grown in Florida?

403,000 acres; 17 million tons of sugarcane; 2+ million tons of sugar.

When did the Florida sugarcane industry start to expand significantly and why?

1959 with the Cuban Revolution. US place embargo on Cuban products including the importation of sugar from Cuba. Several major Cuban sugarcane growers relocated to south Florida.

What is the difference between “muck” and “sandland” sugarcane?

Muck soils are rich organic soils located south of Lake Okeechobee.

These soils were created over time by Lake Okeechobee’s expansion during the rainy season and contraction during the dry season. Sand land sugarcane, found mainly in Hendry, Glades and Martin Counties, is grown on mineral soils. (i.e. sand).

What is the difference between “plant cane” and “ratoon or stubble cane?”

Sugarcane is a perennial crop. The first harvest after planting is called “plant cane.” Sugarcane regrows and is referred to as 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ratoons. While ratoon crops can persist many years, but ratoon yields decline with each year.. Growers plow land typically after the 4th ratoon. They may plant a secondary crop  (such as vegetable, sweet corn, or rice) before returning back to sugarcane.

Why are sugarcane fields burned before harvesting?

Burning removes debris from cane stalk, making it easier to harvest and process in the mill.

List the products produced from sugarcane.

Sugar, molasses, bagasse.

How long have beef cows been in Florida?

Since the 1500s. Brought from Spain by the Spanish explorers.

What is the primary “crop” a Florida cattle ranch sells?

Florida is a “cow-calf” state, meaning calves are born and weaned in Florida. They typically weight between 500 and 600 lbs. Afterward, they are sold or sent to feed lots in the mid-west to be fed to slaughter weight, which is \~1,200 lbs

What are Brahman cattle and why are they important in Florida?

Brahman cattle are an Indian breed that are very tolerant to the heat and disease conditions found in tropical areas, including sub-tropical Florida? Brahman bulls are bred to Angus, Herefords, and other European breeds to infuse heat and disease tolerance.

Why are male calves castrated?

Castrated male calves are more docile and therefore are more efficient at growing meat weight.

What is the name of the largest cattle ranch in the U.S. and where is it located?

There is some debate about this. Largest ranch in the US is the King Ranch in Texas with 825,000 acres. However, in terms of largest number of cattle in a cow-calf operation, the answer is the Deseret Ranch in central Florida.

What is a “succulent” plant?

A plant that is resistant to drought. They have thick tissues to store water.

How many boxes of oranges (all varieties) were harvested during the 2004-05 season?

150 million (90 lb boxes)

How many boxes of oranges are forecasted to be harvested this year (2022-23)?

18 million boxes

What is citrus greening and how is it spread?

Bacterial inflection spread by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP). Much like the mosquito spreads malaria.

Where does Mr. Mahan find hope in the greening challenge?

Technology – genetics with greening resistance. Current hope is an antibiotic injection treatment.

What is the Florida Grower Alliance and what makes it commercially viable?

Group of vegetable growers in Florida, Georgia and Kentucky who pool their crops and jointly sell.

What do we mean when we accuse Mexican farmers of crop “dumping?”

Dumping means you are selling your crop at a price below the cost of production.

What type of potatoes are grown in Florida, and specifically by Troyer Bros?

All-purpose, fresh market potatoes. Troyer Bros potatoes are available to immediate consumption during the winter months as an alternative to “old” potatoes that have been harvested in the summer months and have been sitting in cold storage. They grow red, white, yellow, and a few purple varieties.

How are Florida potatoes different from those grown in Idaho?

Russet potatoes are grown in Idaho, Maine, and other northern states. Russets tend to be dryer and higher in carbohydrates than red, white or yellow potatoes. They are oblong shaped while Florida varieties are more oval shaped.

Outline the production cycle at Troyer Bros.

Seed potatoes grown in Pennsylvania. Planting starts in October and continues through January. Harvest starts in late Jan and continues through April.

Outline the supply chain for Florida potatoes.

Certified seed, fertilizer, and plant protection chemicals imported onto the farm. Crop is grown. Once harvested, potatoes brought into the packing shed where tubers are washed, scrubbed graded and packaged for markets. 60% of crop goes to “terminal” markets where bulk shipments are distributed to various outlets. 40% are sold directly to retail chains in various sizes – 3 lb, 5 lb, and 10 lb bags or 50 lb box. Retail shipments go to respective DCs (distribution centers).

What is Scotlynn’s primary food supply-chain role?

Transportation logistics. Moves produce and other food products from farm areas to wholesale, and retail venues.

List and describe at least 3 logistical challenges faced by fresh produce growers.

1. Maintaining proper temperature and humidity while moving products to the ultimate consumer point of sale.
2. Minimizing cosmetic damage to the fruit.
3. Creating traceability throughout the supply chain.

Describe what C&B Farm grows and markets.

Grows a diverse mix of produce and herb crops. 55 different crop grown under both conventional and organic systems. C&B markets directly to Walmart, but also has relationships with Duda and USSC. During the pandemic they started selling subscriptions. C&B still sends produce to the terminal markets in New York and Chicago. C&B Farm is a major producer of culinary herbs, which are sold to “repackers” who repackage herbs into smaller lots for retail distribution.

How does the state of Florida rank among other states in terms of fresh vegetable production?

Ranks second in terms of total vegetable sales. First in tomato, watermelon and snap beans. Second in strawberries, sweet corn and bell pepper.

When is south Florida’s primary vegetable growing period?

Planting starts in August and continues with spring crops planted in Jan/Feb. produce harvesting starts in October and lasts through April.

Outline the supply chain for Florida grown vegetables.

Fresh produce paths -

a)     From field to packing house to sort, grade and place in cooler.

b)    Shipments to terminal markets if being sold as a commodity; shipments to retail outlet if sold under contract.

c)     Shipments to wholesalers who repack and distribute to diverse network of customers.

d)    Shipments direct to retailer involve packing into the retailer’s respective box or carton and then sent to their DCs (distribution Centers).

What is a “terminal” market and what is a “DC?”

Terminal markets are located in large urban areas where produce is distributed to a diverse group of vendors. DC, or distribution centers, are connected to specific food retailers.

List and describe at least 3 challenges faced by fresh produce growers.

a.     Food safety regulations

b.     Competition from foreign producers

c.     Increases in input prices without corresponding increases in farm-gate revenues.

d.     Finding sufficient labor for hand harvesting and other production activities.

e.     Over regulations by government agencies.