By Clint Thompson One industry expert fears the current supply chain shortage and spike in input costs could linger well into the 2022 season and beyond. Sam Taylor, executive director for Rabobank, a financial services company, encourages producers to plan ahead to avoid potentially not having certain inputs next season. “My fear is that (costs) could continue to increase. You …
Sneak Peek: December 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Clint Thompson The December issue of VSCNews Magazine highlights the Florida Ag Expo, which was held on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Various topics like artificial intelligence, best management practices, disease and pest management tips, field tours and a trade show …
Current Dry Conditions for Parts of SE a Concern During La Nina Winter
By Clint Thompson The current dry conditions felt in some areas across the Southeast could be a prelude to a long dry winter for vegetable and specialty crop farmers. That would not be good news for next growing season, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “What it does mean is that we have to start thinking about …
Successful Meeting: AFVGA Executive Director Pleased with Conference
By Clint Thompson Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), was pleased with the association’s annual conference and trade show that was held on Nov. 18-19 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Attendance was great. The seminar sessions provided insight in various challenges the industry is facing. It was everything Thaxton had hoped for. “We had …
Safe Eating During Thanksgiving: Keep Foods Free from Foodborne Illness
WASHINGTON — Americans will enjoy Thanksgiving this week with family and friends. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds everyone that it is important to keep family and friends safe from foodborne illnesses this Thanksgiving. “Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times to remind people about food safety,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I personally know how much effort it …
Statistics Say Warmer, Drier Conditions Expected This Winter
By Clint Thompson A La Nina weather pattern was declared a month ago for the second straight winter across the Southeast. Growers should anticipate warmer and drier conditions this year, especially compared to last season. At least that’s what statistics say, points out Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “Last year was a one off. All of these …
Alabama Hemp Application Deadline is Nov. 29
Hemp applications remain available through Nov. 29 for Alabama farmers wishing to become a grower or a processor/handler for the 2022 growing season. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, encourages interested applicants not to waste time in completing the application process. “The Department of Ag only has so many people on staff and now they’re working on …
Alternative Approach: Grape Producers Use Mating Disruption Treatment for Pest
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to ban the use of chlorpyrifos (lorsban) means grape producers need an alternative treatment for grape root borers. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Viticulture Blog, an effective treatment is pheromone-based mating disruption. The dispensers should be set out prior to the adult emergence of the borer. This is usually in …
Heat Standard Impact: Comment to OSHA Before Dec. 27
By Clint Thompson Potential rules protecting indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat could have significant ramifications for vegetable and specialty crop producers. Imagine 35-to-45-minute paid rest breaks every hour if the temperatures are high enough during the summer. Ellen Hendley, vice president at AgWorks H2, LLC, can’t fathom it, either. That’s why she encourages growers to be as vocal …
Pecan Production Could be Worse Than Originally Projected
By Clint Thompson Pecan production could be worse this year than previously projected across the Southeast. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan blog, UGA Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells estimates that Georgia’s production will not exceed 60 million pounds, and that number may fall even further, below 50 million pounds for the first time since 2006 when …