It was March 23 in 2020. In the prior season it was Feb. 28. In 2018 it was March 19. All were dates that Downy Mildew disease was initially discovered in Georgia Vidalia onions. If past seasons are any indication, the disease could soon be ripe for a problem for Vidalia onion producers. “Downy is always on our minds this …
Water-Logged: Well-Drained Soils Key to Pecan Trees’ Health
Torrential rains this year have impacted farmers across the Southeast. Vegetable farmers are unable to get in the fields to apply plastic in preparation for the upcoming season. One commodity group that could also feel the sting of excessive rainfall this winter are pecan producers. While trees are currently dormant, their production could be affected this year and years to …
Arbor Day: Celebrate with Fruit Trees
By Becky Griffin for CAES News Americans recognize Arbor Day in April. However, Georgia celebrates Arbor Day on the third Friday of February each year because this is a better time to plant trees, giving roots time to grow before the heat and drought of our summer months. Georgia’s Arbor Day falls on Feb. 19 this year and University of …
Liking Lakota: Pecan Variety Generates Interest in UGA Trial
One pecan variety could be a valuable option for producers seeking a low-cost input variety to plant. Lakota is a low-input variety where producers don’t have to spray much to manage it throughout the season. It has thrived in research trials on the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton campus, according to UGA Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “The yields …
Additional Despair: USITC Blueberry Verdict a Sign for Vegetable Producers?
The U.S. International Trade Commission’s (USITC) decision regarding blueberry imports dealt a disheartening and devastating blow to Southeast producers claiming serious injury to the domestic industry. But does the verdict foreshadow additional despair for vegetable farmers who are also claiming imports have hurt their respective commodities; namely, squash, peppers and cucumbers? “There is concern. Each case is kind of held …
Essential Workers: Response Requested for Survey
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is actively working to be the voice of Georgia’s produce industry. Agricultural workers are essential. The Georgia Department of Public Health is working to create a plan to get your agricultural workers vaccinated. The GFVGA wants COVID-19 vaccines available to them at the earliest possible date and needs your help. Most of …
Point Made: Financial Impact of Imports of Fruits and Vegetables
Southeast fruit and vegetable farmers have had a point all along. Imports of fruits and vegetables, which have long been the source of producers’ ire in recent years, have significantly impacted the domestic industry. Produce coming in from countries like Mexico, Chile and Peru have driven down prices and put producers’ futures at risk. It was the source of the …
Costs Cutting Essential for Pecan Producers
It’s a matter of survival for pecan producers. After a season in which prices were drastically low, farmers need to cut costs, not corners. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, emphasizes the importance of reducing input costs, starting with lime applications. “Of course, we know orchard soils need to be around 6 to 6.5; that’s where your …
Soggy Soils: Excessive Rains Concern Onion Producers
The wet winter weather has Georgia Vidalia onion producers concerned about not getting into their fields to apply fungicide sprays or make fertilizer applications. Certain diseases could soon become problematic considering how much rain the Vidalia onion region has received this year.  “They’re just not able to get caught up with their applications or get out there and do what …
Freeze Effect: Peach Producers Wary of Late-Season Frost
Chill hours are no longer a concern for peach growers in Alabama and Georgia. So, what is their biggest worry heading into the spring? “March 28, the full moon in March. We always tend to have some cold in that full moon in March. But with it being later, maybe we’ll be out of the woods and in the clear. …