By Clint Thompson Pumpkin season is in full swing, and the quality of this year’s crop is unlike any one grower has ever had. Unfortunately, the quantity is also down this year, according to Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “Quality is phenomenal. It’s some of the best quality …
Idalia Aftermath: Georgia Pecan Producer Reflects on Loss Month Later
By Clint Thompson A month since Hurricane Idalia ravaged South Georgia and the area’s pecan crop, one producer has a final tally on his devastation. It was way worse than he had imagined. “I just finished getting a tree loss count. It’s about 15%, farm-wise, of the trees that were lost. Initially, I was hoping it would be about 10,000 …
What’s Needed to Ensure a Sweet Future for Georgia Blueberries
By Clint Thompson One of the largest and most productive blueberry growers in Georgia is concerned about the obstacles that will challenge his ability to remain sustainable in the future. That is why Kevin Eason voices his concerns to those who will listen. He aims to educate legislative leaders about the issues that challenge his sustainability as a farmer. Eason …
Pecan Harvests Commencing Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson Pecan harvests are commencing for early varieties across Georgia and Alabama. Growers should be mindful of last-minute spray applications that might be needed moving forward during this production season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, provides producers a checklist of what they should be wary of heading into harvest season. “Scab sprays have pretty …
GFVGA Optimistic New Farm Bill in Place by End of Year
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is hopeful a new Farm Bill will be established sooner rather than later. “We’re still optimistic that we may see a bill come out of the Senate and the House this year. As to whether or not they’ll be able to come together as a conference committee and get …
Be on the Lookout for Invasive Spotted Lanternfly
By Emily Cabrera State governments are asking people to be on the lookout for an invasive insect pest called spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). University of Georgia (UGA) experts say vigilant prevention strategies, early detection and timely interventions can help keep them from spreading into Georgia. Native to China, India, Vietnam and parts of Eastern Asia, the spotted lanternfly is now …
What Are Vidalia Onion Producers Planning for This Season?
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion producers are less than months away from transplanting this year’s crop. Growers are already thinking about and planning for this year’s production season. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, discussed what is on the minds of farmers on the heels …
Pecan Specialist: Idalia Impact ‘Pretty Severe’ on Southeast Georgia Crop
By Clint Thompson Southwest Georgia is not the only area in the state with a substantial amount of pecan acres. The southeastern part of the state has grown tremendously over the past two decade, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. That is why Hurricane Idalia’s trek through the region on Aug. 31 left a devastating impact on …
UGA Vegetable Specialist: Nitrogen Applications in Onions Need to Be Adjusted
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion producers should avoid applying too much fertilizer during planting. Too much can be leached out over the course of the production season, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He discussed nitrogen applications and his research during the Vidalia onion meeting last week in Lyons, …
GFVGA Encourages Members to Fill Out Labor Survey
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) encourages its producers to share their experiences with the H-2A program with the Agricultural Labor Working Group. The U.S. House Agriculture Committee established a bi-partisan committee that focuses on workforce issues faced by the country’s farmers. The Ag Labor Working Group is requesting input from growers via survey. Georgia is one of …