By Clint Thompson Peach tree management is a year-round process for Alabama producers. How growers take care of their trees after harvest and during the dormant season will impact production next year. That’s the message David Lawrence, Alabama Regional Extension Agent in central Alabama, hopes to convey to producers. “Peach production is hard in June, July and into August. The …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Persist Across Southeast
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions continue to persist in certain areas across the Southeast. In Florida, abnormally dry conditions are detected in the northeast part of the state, along the Atlantic coast. These range from Nassau County to Volusia County. Dry conditions are also being experienced in Southeast Georgia, along the Atlantic coast in Richmond County, …
Federal Help Needed with Truck Driver Shortage Crisis
By Clint Thompson The current truck driver shortage that is plaguing the U.S. may not be rectified without help at the federal level. That’s the feeling shared by Tra Williams, owner and president of Fleetforce Truck Driving School in Winter Haven, Florida. With as many truck drivers that retire every week, there’s considerably less that are applying to take their …
Industry Leader: Truck Driver Shortage Not Surprising
ATA Anticipates 1.1 Million Truckers Needed Over Next 10 Years By Clint Thompson The truck driver shortage in the U.S. that is disrupting vegetable and specialty crop operations and causing increased freight costs is not a surprise to one industry leader. It just came to light during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tra Williams, owner and president of FleetForce Truck Driving …
Excitement Builds Toward Upcoming S.E. Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
By Clint Thompson The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is two months away for those in Georgia, Florida and Alabama interested in attending. After last year’s conference was held virtually due to COVID-19, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is excited about the show’s return in Savannah, Georgia on Jan. 6-9, 2022, says Charles Hall, GFVGA executive …
Hemp Applications: Alabama Extension Says Growers Fill Out Soon as Possible
By Clint Thompson The sooner the better for Alabama producers wishing to fill out a hemp grower application for the 2022 season. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, talks about why farmers should not delay in getting their applications done as soon as possible. “The earlier you get it in, the earlier the Department of Ag can …
Organic Corner: Do’s and Don’ts of Using Hubbard Squash Trap Crop
By Ayanava Majumdar, Olivia Fuller, David Lawrence and Jacob Kelley Have you faced the full onslaught of squash bugs and been frustrated with dead squash plants? Have you battled cucumber beetles and squash vine borers on your farm? If you answered “yes” to one of these questions and are looking for sustainable integrated pest management practices, then it is time …
Comments Needed: OSHA Developing Workplace Heat Standard
By Clint Thompson According to the Federal Register, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is initiating rulemaking to protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat. But they are soliciting additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and nature of effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. This …
Alabama Pecan Production Still Reeling From 2020 Hurricanes
By Clint Thompson The hurricanes that wiped out pecan production in two Alabama counties last year are still having an impact on pecan yields this season. Alabama Extension Research Associate Bryan Wilkins confirmed that even though pecan harvests have begun across the state, there is minimal, if any, production in Mobile and Baldwin counties. “There’s not a lot to get. …
Dry Conditions Starting to Persist Across Southeast Region
Drought conditions are starting to persist across the Southeast region. In Florida, abnormally dry conditions are present across the north-to-northeast part of the state; as far west as Hamilton County, stretching to Nassau County. Dry conditions are present along the Atlantic Coast, stretching as far south as Brevard County and Indian River County. In Georgia, abnormally dry conditions are located …