By Clint Thompson Daily rainfall this summer is not ideal for Georgia’s vegetable and specialty crop farmers. It is especially concerning for those growers gearing up for fall plantings. But it could be a lot worse, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “I will say, particularly for South Georgia, we’re …
UGA Pecan Specialist: Apocalyptic Scab Weather We’re Having Right Now
By Clint Thompson An already challenging time in the pecan industry is being made tougher this summer with the persistent rains. While the trees need rain to produce a crop in the fall, too much rain can lead to scab disease. With as much rain as being reported across Alabama and Georgia, a scab outbreak is quickly spiraling out of …
Results from Vegetable Chemical Use Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the results of its 2020 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey of vegetable producers across the country. The data relates to pesticide use and pest management practices on 22 different vegetable crops. Producers in 18 states participated in the survey, which included eight-focused crops in Florida and eight in Georgia. The pesticide …
Little Drought Reported Across Southeast
A wet summer across the Southeast can only mean one thing – very little drought across the region. That continues to be the case as evidence by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Persistent rains have provided sufficient moisture for Georgia and Alabama. Neither state is reporting any abnormally dry conditions. The majority of Florida has sufficient moisture as well, except for …
North Georgia Dealing with Excessive Rains
By Clint Thompson South Georgia is not the only part of the state receiving excessive rains this summer. The northern part of the state has received its share as well. It is impacting production at Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, located just above Gainesville. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms, said his 20 acres of watermelons will be ready for …
Reps. Scott, Ruiz Introduce American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA-08) joined Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA-36) in introducing the American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act (H.R. 4580), which would help level the playing field for specialty crop growers who compete against below-market foreign imports. The legislation was drafted in concert with American growers who have experienced drastic drops in production …
Wet Summer to Impact Fall Crops
By Clint Thompson Persistent rainfall in summer and early fall may favor conditions for foliar and soil-borne diseases in vegetable crops, particularly those that are caused by water molds or oomycetes, says Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable plant pathologist. “Saturated soils can promote damping off, seedling blight and root rot in transplanted vegetables, especially in low lying …
Downy Mildew Disease Detected on Watermelon in Georgia
According to the University of Georgia Extension vegetable blog, downy mildew disease has been detected on watermelon in Ben Hill County, Georgia. Downy mildew is among the top diseases of cucurbit crops, like cucumbers, watermelon, squashes and pumpkins. It can destroy plant foliage and cause the leaves to curl and die. This leaves the plant vulnerable to blisters and sunscald …
Automation: Future of Farming Today
By Clint Thompson The future of vegetable and specialty crop farming is now – or at least it needs to be. With labor a major concern, Southeast producers’ future may rest with automation, says Wes Porter, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension irrigation and precision agriculture specialist. “Labor prices are going up. Labor is getting harder and harder to find,” Porter …
Wet Summer Expected to Stay That Way
By Clint Thompson A wet summer is expected to stay that way for the foreseeable future, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, discusses the impact. “So, last year was wet from all of the tropical activity. We’re just at the beginning of this tropical season this year, so we’ve …