By Clint Thompson The impact from last week’s sub-freezing temperatures on Georgia blueberries will not be known until late next week. Jerome Crosby, chairman of the Georgia Blueberry Commission, said more detailed scouting next week should yield an accurate assessment of where the crop stands heading into the upcoming harvest season. “We’re trying to get some numbers together, field scouting …
Neglecting Weeds Can Lead to Late-Season Disease in Organic Onions
By Bhabesh Dutta, Timothy Grey and Jason Schmidt Georgia is known for many crops, and onion is one of the major vegetables produced. Organic onions are a developing commodity in the Vidalia region, but growers experience multiple pest and pathogen challenges. A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) is working to improve sustainable, high-quality organic Vidalia …
Georgia Peach Grower: I Think We Dodged a Bullet; I Just Hope No More Bullets Come
State’s Crop Survives Weekend’s Sub-Freezing Temperatures By Clint Thompson Georgia’s peach crop appears to have survived the sub-freezing temperatures that were prevalent across the state this past weekend. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in north Georgia, discussed the impact temperatures as cold as 18 degrees Fahreneheit had on his crop. “We were really just at about 30% bloom. Everything …
Georgia Peach Crop to Feel Impact of Weekend Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Potential sub-freezing temperatures this weekend could impact Georgia’s peach crop, which is already blooming, and in some orchards, peaches are already on trees. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, discussed the impact that the forecasted temperatures will have on the state’s peach crop. “We’ve got a …
Georgia Blueberry Production ‘Heavy,’ Earlier Than Normal
By Clint Thompson Most of Georgia’s blueberry production survived the late January freeze and is expected to have a bumper crop when harvesting commences in a month. Chris Reighberg, Colquitt County blueberry producer, shared that assessment when discussing the aftermath of the freeze event on Jan. 30. “We didn’t have freeze protection and we may have lost 10% at most. …
Expenses: What to Plan and Be Aware of
By Clint Thompson The spring season is just around the corner for Georgia’s specialty crop producers. High fertilizer expenses, increased gas and diesel prices and unpredictable weather conditions are just a few of the challenges farmers face over the next several months. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed the mindset of …
Dry Conditions Worsen in Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson The abnormally dry conditions are sweltering across much of the Southeast, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of Florida is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The conditions are worse in the north-central part of Florida, in Jefferson, Madison and Hamilton counties and extending southward to Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In Georgia, …
Vidalia Onions Official Packing Date Slated for April 12
The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Vidalia Onion Committee announced on Wednesday that April 12 will be the official pack date for the 2022 Vidalia onion season. “Each year, I along with the Vidalia Onion Committee, look forward to sharing when Vidalia onions will be on their way to stores, so I’m pleased to announce April 12 as the …
Industry Expert: Number of Georgia Hemp Licenses to Decline in 2022
By Clint Thompson The number of Georgia producers applying for a license to grow hemp is expected to decrease in 2022. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said the level of interest among growers has dropped significantly from previous years. “It’s marketing and the financial side of things. Basically, there’s so …
Downy Mildew Disease: Fungicide Resistance a Concern for Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease in Southeast grape production is bad enough. The problem is exacerbated as disease resistance continues to worsen. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, explains the concerns that producers in Georgia and Alabama should have about the potential for further resistance developing. “There’s already been resistance to the strobilurin (quinone outside …