By Clint Thompson Strawberry harvests are ongoing across the Southeast region. Growers need to be mindful of post-harvest fruit quality issues that can arise if not harvested and stored properly. Penelope Perkins-Veazie, professor in horticulture science at N. C. State, highlighted during the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Fruit School that strawberry storage life lasts between 5 to 18 days. Fruit …
Starting in Strawberries? Input Expenses Costly but Reward is Potentially Great
By Clint Thompson Strawberries have the potential to be a lucrative commodity for interested specialty crop producers. But they can also be extremely expensive to grow. Farmers need to understand the investment before diving head first into the industry next season, says Jessie Rowan, Alabama regional Extension agent, who specializes in commercial horticulture and farm and agribusiness management. “To me, …
Supply Chain Emergency in Georgia
Georgia governor Brian Kemp’s executive order declaring a supply chain emergency for his state will remain in effect through Sunday, May 15. The main points of the executive order include: “No motor carrier operating under the terms of this State of Emergency will require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies …
Scouting a Huge Benefit for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Scouting remains the best management strategy that specialty crop producers can implement during the growing season. It provides protection against pests and diseases and can also prevent growers from applying unnecessary sprays, an important benefit for farmers in an era marred by high input costs. Mathews Paret, associate professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida …
Potato Production: Demand is Greater Than Supply
By Clint Thompson Demand for potatoes is high, while supply remains low. That could be good news for Florida producers hoping to take advantage this spring, said John Toaspern, chief marketing officer for Potatoes USA. “(Florida’s) just coming into the market right now. They’re coming into a strong market for table-stock potatoes. Reds and other potatoes coming out of there …
Specialty Crop Farmer: Make Sure You Have Orderly Marketing
By Clint Thompson One Florida specialty crop industry leader believes there has been no letup in the spike in input costs. That’s why Aaron Troyer, Florida potato farmer and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, insists growers ensure that what is being grown matches the demand for it. “Make sure your budget is in order and make sure …
Alternative to Lack of Oryzalin Herbicide for Fruit Producers
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers need to be wary this spring of supply issues with regards to Oryzalin, a popular herbicide. None is being manufactured, according to Wayne Mitchem, N.C. State Extension associate and Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium coordinator. He discusses the impact that a lack of the product will mean for some fruit farmers. “The thing about …
Input Availability a Growing Concern for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Planning for future crops means preparing now for some specialty crop producers. In an era when supply availability is uncertain, growers need to consider the ramifications of delaying supply purchases that will be needed in the future. They may not be able to purchase the supplies at all. Farmers like Greg Collier are not just vying for …
UF/IFAS to Host Annual Farm Safety Day
The 31st annual Southwest Florida Farm Safety Day is scheduled for Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, Florida. The educational event is designed to emphasize the importance of farm and equipment safety. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 22. …
Improved Prices for Florida Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson The prolonged period of decreased prices for Florida tomatoes may be nearing an end. Growers should be encouraged by an uptick in prices in recent weeks. Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, describes the change in momentum that has shifted in producers’ favor. “A month ago, …