According to the USDA Federal-State Market News Service, pecan prices remain low throughout Georgia. Growers are picking up what is left in the orchards and bringing in what they have not put into cold storage. Rain and wet orchards have left some areas with excess moisture and damage from rot. Growers are working those lots harder to clean them out …
Alabama Irrigation Questionnaires Due Jan. 31
The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) continues to encourage producers who performed agriculture irrigation upgrades in the 2020 calendar year to complete the required irrigation questionnaire. While ADAI is responsible for collecting completed irrigation questionnaires from producers seeking a tax credit in 2020, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) will issue any irrigation tax credits to eligible applicants. …
UGA Pecan Specialist: Morale is Really Low Right Now
The pecan harvest season is in the books. When farmers and industry experts reflect on the 2020 season, what will be the story? Will it be an overwhelming crop that produced record yields for some farmers? Or will it be the low market prices that discouraged producers and forced many to store this year’s crop? University of Georgia Cooperative Extension …
Natural Habitat for Birds, Safe Produce Co-exist?
With an interest in wildlife while possessing an expertise in food safety, Kristin Woods is concerned about risks bird populations have on fruit and vegetable production in the Southeast. “It is possible to do both, have safe produce and maintain habitat for birds and other wildlife. But it really is an area we need more research in to know how …
Know What Sanitizers to Use and How to Apply Them
In the age of COVID-19, sanitizer applications are essential for producers to keep their workforce healthy. Laurel Dunn, Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Georgia, offers several guidelines for using sanitizers and other cleaning products in facilities where vegetable and specialty crops are cleaned and packaged. Not All Sanitizers are Appropriate The …
Deadline Looming for Financial Assistance from Zeta
The deadline is less than two weeks away for Alabama vegetable and specialty crop farmers seeking financial assistance from Hurricane Zeta. Producers who suffered losses related to Hurricane Zeta have until Jan. 15 to submit an application to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation for assistance from a Hurricane Relief Fund. According to the alfafarmers.org, the relief fund is designed to …
Planting and Pruning Ornamental Plants
According to Alabama Extension, colder temperatures means that it is time to begin planting and pruning certain ornamental plants. These plants, grown primarily for their aesthetic value, benefit greatly from selective cutting. Pruning keeps the plants in shape and growing successfully. Also known as trimming, pruning is a necessary strategy for gardeners and landscapers alike. Planting Ornamentals Different times of …
Chilly December Aiding Southeast Fruit Farmers
A chilly December should have alleviated some concerns of Southeast fruit farmers worried about chill hours in a La Nina winter, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “If you look at the plot of chill hours over this year, November was quite warm. I think they were running way below normal in the number of chill …
Drip Irrigation Efficient Means to Deliver Water to Plants
Drip irrigation vs. overhead irrigation? That truly is the question for vegetable and specialty crop producers in Alabama who are poised to produce a crop in 2021. Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, advises producers to choose drip irrigation. It is more efficient in delivering water to the plant roots. “As far as a production standpoint, the drip …
Risks Come With Hemp Production
Risks come with any crop farmers attempt to produce in the Southeast. Between diseases, pests, input costs, unpredictable weather and instability in the marketplace, producing a crop and making a profit is not a guarantee. Hemp production is no different. Producers need to do the appropriate research before planting their crop next spring. This is especially important since hemp is …