By Clint Thompson A decreased crop combined with high prices highlighted this year’s pecan season in the Southeast. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, believes production will rebound next year. Unfortunately, prices are expected to drop again just like 2020. “I’m a little concerned we’re going to see issues that, if it’s a huge crop throughout …
Dry Conditions Worsen in Some Areas
By Clint Thompson Certain areas of the Southeast continue to feel the sting of lingering dry conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The Florida Panhandle is especially abnormally dry. Conditions are worsening in Northwest Florida where Escambia County and Santa Rose County are classified in a moderate drought. Abnormally dry conditions stretch eastward to Nassau County and Duval County …
Ideal Weather Last Week for North Alabama Production
By Clint Thompson Colder temperatures and additional rainfall were just what the doctor ordered last week for North Alabama specialty crop producers. Temperatures in Guntersville, Alabama where Alabama Regional Extension agent Eric Schavey works, were as high as 79 degrees on Jan. 1. But rain helped dropped temperatures to the 30s and 40s this week. This week’s wet weather also …
Rains Alleviate Some of Dry Conditions in Southeast
By Clint Thompson Recent rains alleviated some of the dry conditions being felt across the Southeast region, especially in Georgia and Alabama, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Only a small part of North Georgia remains abnormally dry, including Union County, Fanning County, Gilmer County, Dawson County, Towns County and Lumpkin County. Only a couple of counties in South Georgia …
Diminished Pecan Crop in Southeast Alabama
By Clint Thompson Southeast Alabama may be a small sample size of pecan production in the state, but its lower-than-normal crop epitomizes what growers are feeling statewide – the crop was diminished substantially this season. “It was a tough year,” said Neil Kelly, Alabama Regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama. “Overall production is going to be real light. It’s also …
Chemistry Rotation Needed to Protect Peaches Against Plum Curculio
By Clint Thompson Southeast peach producers have a handle on plum curculio management. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, wants to keep it that way. That’s why the UGA specialist continues to encourage rotation of chemistries to prevent insecticide resistance from occurring. Pyrethroids are growers’ best option for management. But …
Abnormally Dry Conditions Persist Across Southeast Region
The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry conditions continue to persist across the Southeast region. This was observed in parts of Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Abnormally dry conditions were mostly seen in the Florida Panhandle, stretching from Escambia County eastward to Madison County. Dixie County, Levy County, Gilchrist County and a small part of Alachua County …
Sensors a Focal Point of Upcoming SE Regional Fruit, Vegetable Conference
By Clint Thompson Soil moisture sensors are an integral part of many farmers’ irrigation scheduling strategies. Wes Porter, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension precision agriculture and irrigation specialist, wants more growers to be aware of their benefits. That’s why he’s invited a South Georgia farmer Brandon DeWitt to speak at the upcoming Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, …
Warming Up: Unseasonable Temps Not Helping Chilling Requirements for Fruit Trees
By Clint Thompson Unseasonably warm conditions this winter is normal for a La Niña weather pattern. But it’s not what Southeast fruit tree producers want to experience. Not with chilling hours a vital part of the maturation process. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, said producers will keep an eye on what temperatures the new year brings – …
Reminder: Alabama Hemp Meetings to be Held in January
Alabama Extension reminds those interested that hemp licensee orientation meetings will be held at five separate locations in January 2022. The meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and will provide an overview of the 2022 hemp season with changes to the hemp rules, requirements licensees must adhere to, hemp budgets and other procedures and deadlines. Licensed growers, …