Cold temperatures and a late-season frost could lead some South Georgia vegetable producers to replant some of their crops, namely watermelons and cantaloupes. Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia, said his plants survived most of last weekend’s temperature drop, other than some cantaloupe plants in Worth County. “Cantaloupes got burnt a little bit in some …
Watermelon Production Decreased in 2020
Prices were High Watermelon production in the United States decreased in 2020, while prices remained strong. According to the USDA Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook, domestic fresh-market watermelon production totaled 3,419.9 million pounds in 2020, which is a decrease of 4.4% from the previous season. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reported that production in 2019 was 3,579.2 million …
Crop Progress: What’s Happening in Southeastern States?
The United States Department of Agriculture released its crop progress reports for each state this week. Alabama: Temperatures in March were comparable with or up to 7.9 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than historical averages. Rainfall ranged from 2.6 inches to 14.6 inches, though heavy rain was recorded during the latter part of the month. It improved drought conditions but also halted …
The Pecan State: Georgia Once Again Top Producer with 142 Million Pounds
Georgia is no longer second fiddle when it comes to pecan production. According to the USDA Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook, Georgia is once again the largest pecan producer after being bested by New Mexico the previous two years. Production rose 95% to 142 million pounds last year. It is showing signs of recovery from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Statewide …
Decreased Production: Georgia Hemp Acres Expected to Decrease in 2021
Georgia’s hemp production is expected to decrease in 2021. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, believes there are various factors that will contribute to hemp acreage being down compared to last season. “I think a lot of growers are going more towards, kind of, I’ll say smokable flower. It’s more of a boutique …
Vidalia Onion Field Day is April 8
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension will host the Vidalia Onion Field Day this year on Thursday, April 8, beginning at 10:30 a.m. It will be held outside and conclude at noon. There will be a walking tour of the research plots at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. Pre-registration is required to attend. Please pre-register for …
Georgia Wine and Grape Commission to Hold First Meeting on April 16
The newly formed Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Wine and Grapes will hold its first meeting on Friday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the Atlanta Farmers Market in Forest Park, Georgia. The meeting will be in the Administration Building of the Georgia State Farmers Market (enter from the market side). The address for the meeting is 16 Forest Parkway, …
Voices Heard: Georgia Farmers Discuss Issues with Senator Warnock
The two issues Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers want and need assistance with the most are labor and imports. Georgia farmers and industry leaders made sure Senator Raphael Warnock heard their concerns on Wednesday. The U.S. Senator visited South Georgia as part of a farm tour that stopped at Minor Brothers Farm in Leslie, Georgia. Along with Congressman Sanford …
Fingers Crossed: Farmers Hoping No Frost with Week’s Cold Temperatures
Easter is Sunday, which means it’s time for at least one more cold snap for vegetable and specialty crop producers to contend with. On cue, temperatures are expected to drop as low as 39 degrees on Thursday and 36 degrees on Friday in Lake Park, Georgia, according to weather.com. Echols County is where Justin Corbett and his brother, Jared, farm …
Breaking Ground: Pecan Trees More Effective in Planted Early
Pecan planting season has come and gone for most producers. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells believes farmers who planted their trees in early February are more likely to succeed compared to producers who planted their trees later, or in mid-March. Data from 2020 research supports his belief. “It confirmed what I had been seeing. Those that …