Prices remain steady and demand remains high for pecans as the season nears an end in the southeast. Prices for lots in Georgia with less than 20,000 pounds, including truckloads: Native Seedlings, $0.75 per pound; Caddo, 52%-54% meat yield, $2.38-$2.39 per pound; Cape Fear, 56%-57% meat yield, $2.29-$2.36 per pound; Desirables, 50%-52% meat yield, $2.25-$2.35 per pound; Elliott, $1.25-$1.50; Excel, …
Updated Recommendations for Peach Orchard Establishment
By Dario J. Chavez The southeastern United States possesses a unique environment in terms of variable soil and humid climate. Although humid, there has been incidences of several droughts throughout the years. A lack of proper irrigation scheduling under these circumstances can result in huge losses in production and in the state’s economy. Since 2000, the Southeast has had five …
Vidalia Onion Farmers Ahead of Planting Schedule
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion farmers are ahead of schedule in planting next year’s crop. The dry weather in the southeastern part of the state is a reason why, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “In a typical year, we’ll usually start around the …
Analyzing Anthracnose: Cucurbit Disease a Major Issue for Growers
By Clint Thompson One disease that Southeast cucurbit producers need to have on their radar this upcoming season is anthracnose. It is rapidly becoming a major issue for growers, says Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable plant pathologist. “It’s now a major problem after Pcap (phytophthora capsici). It has been an emerging issue in our cucurbits including …
Department of Labor Issues Proposed Rule Modifying Methodology for Setting AEWR
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced this week a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comment on its proposal to modify the methodology used to determine the hourly Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for the H-2A program. The proposed changes will better enable the department to meet its statutory mandate to ensure the employment of H-2A workers will …
Labor Crisis: Farmers Need to Vocalize Concerns for Reform to Occur
By Clint Thompson Southeast producers who have concerns over the proposed Farm Workforce Modernization Act are encouraged to voice their displeasure to members of Congress. It is the only way real change can be made with the current Ag labor system, says Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, …
AgNet Media Magazine Gets New Name
Beginning in January 2022, Vegetable and Specialty Crops News (VSCNews) will have a new name. The monthly trade magazine that debuted from AgNet Media four years ago will become Specialty Crop Industry. Not only is the new name more concise, but it also more accurately reflects the scope of the magazine’s content and audience. Although AgNet Media is dropping the …
Industry Expert: Supply Chain Issues Could Linger into 2023
By Clint Thompson One industry expert fears the current supply chain shortage and spike in input costs could linger well into the 2022 season and beyond. Sam Taylor, executive director for Rabobank, a financial services company, encourages producers to plan ahead to avoid potentially not having certain inputs next season. “My fear is that (costs) could continue to increase. You …
New Species: UGA Researchers Discover ‘Onion Devourer’ Bacteria
University of Georgia researchers have identified a new species of bacteria, which they have named Pseudomonas alliivorans — from “allium vorans,” which translates as onion devourer or eater. As part of a multistate, four-year project, UGA Cooperative Extension vegetable disease specialist Bhabesh Dutta and his team surveyed onions at every stage of production — from seedling to mature bulb and …
Sneak Peek: December 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Clint Thompson The December issue of VSCNews Magazine highlights the Florida Ag Expo, which was held on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Various topics like artificial intelligence, best management practices, disease and pest management tips, field tours and a trade show …