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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Georgia”
By Clint Thompson The discontinuation of the Farm Labor Survey was an important victory for fruit and vegetable growers hoping for relief from the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. Now growers and industry leaders are waiting for what happens next, says Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. “From our perspective, we’re hopeful that …
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers are on the cusp of harvest season. But that doesn’t mean management of this year’s crop has finished. For some it may be ensuring the trees have their water needs fulfilled. For others, it may be controlling insect pests like the black pecan aphid. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, provided an …
Minimal satsumas this harvest season will impact cold-hardy producers far beyond the loss of production in the region. MAINTENANCE MANDATORY Growers are now tasked with maintaining their groves when there is little to no fruit on the trees. It is a chore that producers should still follow through on, however, says Jake Price, University of Georgia (UGA) area citrus agent. …
By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable growers must be wary of a relatively new disease that is mostly impacting pepper production. University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Plant Pathologist Bhabesh Dutta cautioned producers about Choanephora rot, which has been very aggressive and concerning for pepper producers. “It is a problem now in this season,” Dutta said. “We have seen very little before, …
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers scored a significant win last week when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intention to discontinue the Farm Labor Survey (FLS). The FLS helped the Department of Labor determine the AEWR, the minimum wage for H-2A workers in every state. Rates have spiraled out of control in recent years. Michael Marsh, president …
By Clint Thompson Back-to-back seasons of hurricane activity have significantly impacted pecan production for one Georgia grower. Instead of being down and out following Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Helene in 2024, though, Buck Paulk is rebounding with new and improved orchards and a new outlook on his farming life. “You just go through it and do it and still …
Georgia citrus growers need fertilizer recommendations that are specific to the state’s production. This would allow growers to make better decisions concerning crop management. That is one of the reasons Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, was hired in August 2024. She is conducting research that will benefit Georgia growers who need to mostly …
By Clint Thompson Southeast grape producers should be mindful of Pierce’s Disease (PD) potentially developing in their respective vineyards. Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia (UGA) viticulture Extension specialist, highlighted in the UGA Viticulture Blog that the disease is more likely to show up later in the season. “Generally, the first symptom to show up is marginal necrosis on the leaves. …
By Clint Thompson Georgia specialty crop producers are reminded that this year’s Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) Ag Labor Relations Forum is scheduled for Sept. 16-17 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. Labor industry leaders will provide attendees pertinent information needed to navigate the complex and complicated world of ag labor, including …
By Clint Thompson Pecan production will be highlighted during the Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Fall Field Day at the University of Georgia Ponder Farm in Tifton, Georgia, on Thursday, Sept. 4. Scheduled topics include cultural practices, water use, pest and disease management and sustainably grown farming. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, highlighted the field day …
