Farmers Need CFAP Funds as Quickly as Possible

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson U.S. Secretary of Ag Sonny Perdue understands the quick turnaround needed for farmers looking to benefit from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Especially for those producers in Florida. Some are already thinking about next season and need CFAP funds in place to proceed accordingly. “Cash flow’s critical. When this food service industry stopped, it just stopped. …

Florida Orange Production and Latest U.S. Estimates

Web AdminAlabama, Citrus, Florida, Georgia, Top Posts

The nation’s orange production season is winding down and Florida’s production is almost finished. Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) issued its June forecast, which showed a decrease in the Florida citrus crop. Rod Bain has a story looking at the production estimates for the crop nearing the final totals for the marketing year. Click …

Recent Rains Could Lead to Spike in Pecan Scab Disease

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Nuts, Pecan, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Scab disease of pecans has been light so far this year. But could soon change with the recent rain events in the Southeast, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “Scab so far has been light, but we’ve had some pretty scabby weather the last week or so. We’ll see, but I think everybody …

Exposure Risk Among Agriculture Workers and Employers

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Rick Zapata/Alabama Extension News No evidence indicates that livestock, crops, or products handled by workers involved in production agriculture are sources of COVID-19 infection. However, close contact with coworkers may contribute to spreading the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Labor have provided guidance and recommendations for agriculture owners and operators. Agriculture …

UGA Entomologist: Potential Is There for Whitefly Outbreak

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pests, South Carolina, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson It is too early to say if this year’s whitefly impact on vegetables and cotton will rival 2017. But University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks insists the potential is there. Sparks estimates that the whitefly population is about the same as a month ago. There have been some reports of populations existing primarily …

Florida: Funding and policy progress

Web AdminAgri-business, Environment, Florida, Legislative, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine, Water

By Adam Basford On March 19, the Florida Legislature wrapped up the 2020 legislative session after a six-day extension caused by a delay in budget negotiations. Clearly, the COVID-19 outbreak has created significant uncertainty about Florida’s economy and there may be a need for the Legislature to meet again to revise the budget based on updated revenue forecasts. However, for …

Sunbelt Field Day Set For July 23

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By Clint Thompson The Sunbelt Ag Expo’s annual field day on July 23 will have a different look this year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the strict rules regarding social distancing, this year’s event will feature a drive-thru component for attendees, said Chip Blalock, executive director of the Sunbelt Ag Expo. “Our field day will go on as planned …

UF/IFAS Remaining Resilient

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The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted a virtual statewide discussion for stakeholders on June 8 to provide an update on its initiatives. The emphasis was on efforts and issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the webinar, Nick Place, UF/IFAS Extension dean and director, highlighted Extension’s efforts to address the COVID-19 challenges. “This has …

Perdue Comments on Farmers Competing With Mexican Produce

Web AdminAlabama, Exports/Imports, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Today’s talk with U.S. Secretary of Ag Sonny Perdue focuses on imports of Mexican produce. It’s been a concern for farmers who are trying to compete against Mexico. It was especially concerning this year as growers, especially in the Southeast, also had to overcome challenges with the coronavirus pandemic. For other testimonials of unfair competition with Mexico, …

CFAP Payments Already Being Issued

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments are already starting to be issued across the country to farmers impacted by COVID-19. Some specialty crop growers in the Southeast have already started receiving funds. As of June 8, in Florida, 95 specialty crop applications have been submitted with $11.5 million in payments issued by the USDA. In Georgia, 91 …