When university professors discover that a former chemical company researcher is now farming in retirement, they know that’s the place to do “on-farm” trials. That’s what has happened at Squeeze Citrus. To answer questions, I did what came naturally: do a test, replicate it, take data, get an answer. Because I’m one of a very few organic and the only regenerative citrus grower in the region, university professors were interested in my grove. And in one case, even sent a grad student to conduct their research in this well controlled environment.
University of Georgia Extension Specialist Dr. Apurba Barman has been conducting a research trial jointly with me and the Thomas County Extension Agent, Sydni Ingram.
“I have been so fortunate to collaborate with Mr. Herb on our citrus Leafminer research. During the past few years I have observed, firsthand, his efforts to produce an organic crop while helping contribute to the body of knowledge where it is lacking in this area."
- Sydni Ingram, UGA Extension Agent.
The trial evaluates the different organic control options for the citrus leafminer, which plagues organic growers. Now in its third year, the trial has had significant findings: products that work and products that don’t, applications intervals needed and determining the level of control that can be expected from an endophyte living inside the tree (Beauveria bassiana). A better control program can now be recommended to organic growers.
“Herb Young was a career scientist in the past and now in his retirement, he applies all his knowledge and experiences onto a regenerative citrus grove located in Thomas County, GA. For the past three years, my team has been working on evaluating different organic products and programs for citrus Leafminer control in a replicated field trial on his citrus grove. Herb is exceptionally cooperative to accommodate our needs during the trial and he is very meticulous about keeping track of all his applications that go into his production. I am excited to see the results of this trial and very soon it will be coming in some form of peer-reviewed publication. I believe that the results of this trail will help the organic citrus growers in citrus Leafminer management. In addition to the organic insect pest control, Herb has adopted different aspects of regenerative agriculture such as cover crop, mulching etc. to improve soil health and build resilience in plant. I am sure all his hard work and efforts will be reflected in the quality of the fruits he is about to harvest this year.”
- Dr. Apurba Barman, UGA Extension Entomologist.
University of Florida, IFAS, Dr. Muhammad A. Shahid has arranged for one of his grad students to conduct her research in conjunction with a trial already on-going in my grove comparing conventionally grown Shiranui citrus with Regeneratively grown and organically grown. The information gathered for the Master’s research has contributed to both my objectives and theirs.
“When searching for a trial location with an organic citrus grower, I found that Herb Young was the only one. When visiting, I found that he already was conducting replicated research trials and following regenerative principles in addition to organic. Herb has been a great resource to have one of my graduate students becoming involved in a comparison of regenerative vs. conventional production practices. We have received a $3M grant on organic citrus production from NIFA, Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative and we will be using Mr. Herb’s grove as one of the experiment sites for our grant. Mr. Herb always brings fresh, creative approaches to sustainable agriculture, valuable for organic citrus production. His willingness to work together and share ideas makes our partnership both productive and enjoyable. His enthusiasm for growing high-quality nutrient enriched citrus is evident in the care he puts into each step of his production system."
- Dr. Muhammad A. Shahid, University of Florida, IFAS
Beyond cooperative trials with universities, I have conducted studies for private companies as well: Advancing Eco Ag, Enlightened Soil Corp and Biome Makers Inc. I’ve also been fortunate to have a study sponsored by the USDA SARE Grant program to evaluate composts and compost tea. All these trials have given me the confidence to grow both organically and regeneratively despite the challenges. I have been rewarded by receiving a “Certified Regenerative” classification from AGW and as the culmination of all my efforts have been able to quantify that the nutrient density of my fruit is at a level completely beyond conventionally grown citrus. I believe that I have contributed to justifying that regenerative and organic production practices change the nutrient density or our food and could potentially impact the health crisis in America.
