By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelons and South Georgia watermelons are likely on a collision course for the Southeast market this summer. Weather is the main reason why. Florida Frost Producers in the Suwanee Valley Region in North Florida have started harvesting this year’s crop. But many of their fields were impacted by a scattered frost late in the season. …
UGA Specialist: Vegetable Producers Probably Prefer it to be Dry
By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry period is not all bad for South Georgia vegetable producers. The current conditions are almost ideal for growers amid the current harvest season, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Most vegetable growers, in general, they would probably prefer it to be dry, because …
Good Start for Georgia Peaches
By Clint Thompson So far, so good for Georgia’s peach producers. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, said farmers have been harvesting peaches in middle Georgia for more than three weeks. Though the harvest season is still early, there have been no complaints. “Price is good. Quality looks pretty …
Drought Update: Dry Conditions Prevailing in Southeast
The Southeast continues to endure dry conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of South Florida is either abnormally dry or in a moderate drought. This is especially true for Collier County, Monroe County, Palm Beach County and Broward County. The middle portion of Florida is abnormally dry as well, especially around the Polk County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County …
What’s Next? Potential Chemical Shortage Looming for Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Some supplies are in limited quantity for growers this spring. One South Georgia farmer is concerned about a potential shortage for the rest of this year with certain chemicals. “Down the road, there looks like possibly some potential problems with supply on chemicals,” said Kent Hamilton, owner and CEO of Southern Valley in Norman Park, Georgia. “Supposedly, …
High Freight Rates Costing Producers
By Clint Thompson High freight rates and limited availability have created another challenge for Southeast vegetable producers. Neil Mazal, with East Coast Farms and Vegetables in Lake Worth, Florida, said freight rates are historically high and may contribute to a quick and unprofitable season for some growers. “We’re in South Florida. Historically, I would buy a truck out of South …
Drought Impact: Lack of Moisture Means Minimal Disease Pressure on Veggies
By Clint Thompson Not all is bad when producers think about the hot and dry conditions throughout the Southeast. Disease pressure has been extremely light in South Georgia vegetable fields, according to Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Vegetable Agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth Counties. “Foliar fungal diseases or bacterial diseases is the only thing that this hot, …
Disease Alert: Cucurbit Growers Be Mindful of Powdery Mildew
By Clint Thompson Not all plant diseases need moisture to become problematic. Some cucurbit farmers in Georgia are finding that out with powdery mildew. The extended dry period in Georgia has allowed powdery mildew to flourish. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, said there is a moderate level of concern among producers, though there are effective fungicides …
Snap Bean Update: Imports on the Rise
It is the peak season for snap beans in the U.S. Two Southeastern states continue to lead the country in domestic production. According to USDA Economic Research Service, the 2017 Census of Agriculture reported Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, California and Texas as the leading fresh-market snap bean states. Florida is the primary domestic supplier from November to April, with additional volume …
Vidalia Onion Agent: Set Up to Have Good Quality Supply Throughout Summer
By Clint Thompson Good harvest weather contributed to a solid Vidalia onion crop for producers this year. It should set up a steady supply of produce throughout this summer, according to Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “I feel like we’re set up really good for …