May 9 Workshop to Explore Opportunities for Tropical Fruit Production in Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Tropical Fruit

What conditions are ideal for farmers to successfully grow tropical fruit in different regions of Florida? Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) say this question is at the root of concern for them as they communicate with new and potential growers who are not aware of a bigger problem at stake. Way too …

Florida Blueberry Producers Enjoying ‘Good Production’

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers have enjoyed a prosperous season so far, though that prosperity could come to a halt once neighboring states start harvesting their crop. That could soon be the case, explains Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “I think it’s been good production. A number of folks …

UGA School: Reminder About How Costly Pecan Production Can Be

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson The University of Georgia (UGA) Pecan School on Wednesday educated potential producers and served as a reminder to veteran growers about the costly expenses associated with pecan production. Costs for required equipment have risen from $533,000 in 2019 to $873,000 in 2023. Input prices have also increased, while pecan prices floundered to an average of $1.69 per …

Rain Impact: Sweet Corn Production Increasing Following Slow Start

Clint ThompsonCorn, Florida

By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn volume should ramp up during the first couple of weeks of April. The increased production will be much needed for growers who experienced a sluggish start to the season, mostly due to excessive rainfall. “We had a little bit of a slower start this year. There were some rain skips in the fall and …

Can’t Depend on China: Country’s Own Pecan Production Progress a Concern for SE Growers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson China’s presence as an export destination for U.S. pecans is a thing of the past. Southeast (SE) producers should not rely on China continuing to import substantial amounts of pecans, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “From this point on, I would not count on China anymore. We may see years where they …

USDA NASS: Findings for Vegetable Production

Clint ThompsonUSDA

Production for 26 estimated vegetable and melon crops totaled 758 million cwt in 2023, an increase of 6% from 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The three largest crops were tomatoes, onions and sweet corn. They combined for 54% of all the vegetables total. The value of utilized production for vegetable crops in …

Pecan Production Drops 6%

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

Pecan production was down this past season, especially in the Southeast, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. Utilized production decreased by 6%, compared to 2022, totaling 271 million pounds. Bearing acreage was estimated at 441,000, also a decrease from the prior season. The average yield was 616 pounds per acre, down 36 pounds from the …

Peaches in Florida: Low Chill Hours Makes Production Challenging

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Chill hours in Florida have been extremely low in recent years. It makes producing peaches, even those requiring minimal chill hours, challenging, if not impossible. Ali Sarkhosh, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor in horticultural sciences, spoke about peach production in Florida at the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference …

Nematode Management Vital for Peach Production

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches, South Carolina

By Clint Thompson Nematode management is essential for peach production in the Southeast. According to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, if growers do not control the microscopic pests, it can have severe repercussions for future seasons. “You’ve got to take them into account. If you don’t take nematodes into account, there are several things that …

Peach Production: Fungicide Preservation Key in Brown Rot Management

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Fungicide preservation is the key for peach producers in managing brown rot disease long term. DMI fungicides have already been compromised to some extent. Growers need to ensure other fungicide classes don’t fall victim as well, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “The bottom line is we’ve got some new products coming …