ADAI to Host Citrus Industry Meeting

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The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will host a Citrus Industry meeting on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. at the ADAI auditorium in Montgomery, Ala. The in-person meeting will highlight developments from the citrus survey conducted by the department and the potential impact that citrus canker detections have for the industry in Alabama. The current status of …

AFVGA Executive Director: Address Input Needs as Early as Possible

Web AdminAlabama, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), implores his farmers to be proactive instead of being reactive with adjusting to the current surge in input costs. “Our overall message is to make sure you’re addressing your input needs as early as possible to get ahead of any kind of delays that …

Department of Labor Issues Proposed Rule Modifying Methodology for Setting AEWR

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced this week a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comment on its proposal to modify the methodology used to determine the hourly Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for the H-2A program. The proposed changes will better enable the department to meet its statutory mandate to ensure the employment of H-2A workers will …

Labor Crisis: Farmers Need to Vocalize Concerns for Reform to Occur

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By Clint Thompson Southeast producers who have concerns over the proposed Farm Workforce Modernization Act are encouraged to voice their displeasure to members of Congress. It is the only way real change can be made with the current Ag labor system, says Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, …

AgNet Media Magazine Gets New Name

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Beginning in January 2022, Vegetable and Specialty Crops News (VSCNews) will have a new name. The monthly trade magazine that debuted from AgNet Media four years ago will become Specialty Crop Industry. Not only is the new name more concise, but it also more accurately reflects the scope of the magazine’s content and audience. Although AgNet Media is dropping the …

Industry Expert: Supply Chain Issues Could Linger into 2023

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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

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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

Web AdminAlabama, Drought, Florida, Georgia, Weather

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

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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

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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 …