By Clint Thompson The Broadband For Rural America Act, introduced Thursday by Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, Republican Leader of the Agriculture Committee, would vastly improve farming operations. Precision agriculture concepts have become more widespread in their use. They improve the efficiency and profitability of producing and harvesting a crop by working the different parameters that affect that crop’s growth. These techniques …
UGA to Host In-Person Beginner’s Pecan Production Course
The University of Georgia Pecan Team will be holding a Beginner’s Pecan Production Course on June 15 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The course will cover various topics pertaining to pecan production including costs, cultivar selection, fertilization, irrigation, cultural management, insect control, disease management, weeds, equipment and market overview. The event will start …
Fertilization Keeps Watermelons ‘Happy’
By Clint Thompson Fertilization remains a vital part of the watermelon production season up until harvest time, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “One harvest, every five to seven days let’s say, it’s the second and the third and the potentially fourth harvest that we need to make sure we’re taking care and keeping …
Irrigation Key for Pecan Producers During These Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Weather forecasts are calling for hot and dry conditions for the foreseeable future. That could have a detrimental impact on pecan trees, believes Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “Especially with growers with young trees planted in the last year or two, they need to be really careful about making sure they’re watering these …
Georgia Farmer: I Believe Our Industry is Worth Fighting For
By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable farmer Bill Brim exudes passion when talking about agriculture. It’s all he’s known for more than 50 years. Brim directed passion and zeal toward the U.S. International Trade Commission during its hearing on cucumbers and squash in April. “I am here because I believe in Georgia farmers. I believe our industry is worth fighting for,” …
Increased Challenges for Vidalia Onion Industry
Like most vegetable and specialty crops, the Vidalia onion industry is not immune to the increased challenges of today. Freight costs have spiked. Booking trucks to ship the product is an added obstacle. Desired pallets are almost non-existent for producers, according to Cliff Riner, crop production manager for G&R Farms in Glennville, Georgia. Riner estimates that onion harvests should wrap …
SWD Impact: Management Key in Controlling Blueberry Pest
According to the University of Georgia Extension Integrated Pest Management blog, a statewide survey of the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive and costly pest of blueberries, is underway in Georgia. Its purpose is to confirm reports and to develop a distribution map throughout the state. SWD was first found in Georgia in 2010 and can cause up to 20% …
Georgia Farmer: How Do We Stay in Business?
By Clint Thompson The math is not adding up for South Georgia vegetable farmer Sam Watson. Input costs are increasing, especially with rare items like boxes and pallets. Yet, market prices remain low. “We have enough struggles dealing with cheap markets and labor problems, we shouldn’t have to worry about a box and a pallet,” said Watson, managing partner of …
UF Strawberry Breeder: We’re Shifting A Lot of Effort Toward Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson Yield and quality remain at the forefront of Vance Whitaker’s focus as University of Florida/IFAS strawberry breeder. But not far behind is Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. “We always have to pay attention to yield and quality, but we’re definitely shifting a lot of effort toward it for sure,” Whitaker said. “It certainly has leapfrogged, probably most traits, at …
Good Weather Contributes to Successful Vidalia Onion Season
By Clint Thompson A successful Vidalia onion season is nearing an end for producers in Southeast Georgia. Cliff Riner, crop production manager for G&R Farms in Glennville, Georgia, said his farm’s production should end between May 15-18, depending on how much rain the region receives this week and slows down harvests. Ironically, the lack of rain has helped producers enjoy …