By Clint Thompson It has been a hot and dry summer so far for Georgia’s specialty crop producers. Multiple areas are either abnormally dry, moderately dry or severely dry, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, provided good news for specialty crop producers, though. “I’m pleased to say …
Keeping Pecans Watered During Dry Weather
Temperatures may be high and dry conditions may be widespread across the Southeast, but pecan growers should not panic and apply too much water, according to the University of Georgia Extension pecan blog. Because pecan trees can adapt in extreme weather conditions, growers can continue on the normal recommended irrigation schedule and nuts will continue to size properly, says Lenny …
Heat Impact on Georgia Watermelons
By Clint Thompson High temperatures in Georgia the past couple of weeks should have a positive and negative impact on the state’s melon crops. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed what growers experience when temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit (F). “I think the quality of the fruit is going to …
Georgia Farmer Testifies About Imports Impact During Senate Hearing
By Clint Thompson A Senate hearing held on June 9 allowed one Georgia blueberry producer to discuss the challenge of competing against imports from other countries. Karla Thompson, representing JET Farms in Camilla, Georgia, testified in a hearing held by the Senate Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management and Trade. The discussion highlighted rising imports and their impact on Georgia producers. …
Vegetable Disease Update in South Georgia
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable season is in full swing across the South Georgia region. Watermelons, a popular crop produced in the area, are currently being harvested. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, talks about production and the lack of disease pressure growers encountered this year. “There have been some …
Ag Hearing Highlights Need to Address Trade Barriers, Impacting Georgia Farmers
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) called on his Senate colleagues on Thursday to quickly consider and confirm nominees for two agricultural trade leadership positions within the administration to address trade concerns and reduce trade barriers faced by Georgia farmers. Senator Warnock’s call for action came during the first hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry’s Subcommittee on …
Vidalia Onion Variety Trial Meeting Scheduled for June 23
By Clint Thompson It is already time for Georgia Vidalia onion producers to start thinking about what varieties they will be planting for the 2022-23 crop season. University of Georgia (UGA) Extension hopes to help make that selection process easier. UGA Extension will host a variety trial meeting on Thursday, June 23 at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center …
Main Concern for Georgia’s Specialty Crop Producers: Increasing Imports
By Clint Thompson High input costs. Supply availability. Weather unpredictability. All are challenges that Georgia’s specialty crop producers are facing this year. But the main concern remains market pricing, or lack thereof. Growers are still being haunted by imports and their impact on producers being able to make a profit, said Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit …
Senator Visit: Ossoff Discusses Time Spent with Georgia Producers
By Clint Thompson U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) connected with South Georgia farmers on Thursday in an effort to hear producers voice their concerns ahead of the 2023 Farm Bill. The Georgia senator met with producers representing multiple commodities, including pecans at the Georgia Pecan Growers Association in Tifton, Georgia. He discussed the importance of interacting with growers. “It was …
Recent Rains Helping with Spider Mite Infestations
By Clint Thompson This week’s rainfall in South Georgia should help alleviate the current pest pressure associated with spider mite infestations. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, confirmed the spider mite infestations have been impactful this spring, mostly due to the prolonged drought throughout most of the region. “The only thing I’ve had reported recently is …