A main insect pest of pecan trees is active right now. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialist Lenny Wells cautions producers that Asian Ambrosia beetles are active in young pecan trees. Beetle activity has been reported from Cook County, Fort Valley and different sites in Eastern Georgia, according to the UGA Pecan Extension Blog. Activity will only increase as temperatures …
Farming’s Future: Ag Labor Reform Needed Now More Than Ever
The future of the American farmer is bleak. Farmers themselves are hinting that the end is near for their career in the field, amid increasing costs, decreasing prices and steady imports from Mexico. One significant help would come in reform to the current H-2A guestworker program, according to Allison Crittenden, Director of Congressional Relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation. …
Grape Diseases: Mildews a Concern for Producers
No matter what environmental conditions grape producers face this season, they are likely to encounter either downy mildew or powdery mildew. “Powdery mildew actually does better in a drier environment. That’s why it’s a major problem in places like California. But when we have dry conditions, it can be worse for us. Even in wet conditions, we have it,” said …
Georgia Blueberry Growers to Vote on Continuation of Assessment
Georgia’s blueberry producers can vote until March 30 on the continuation of the Georgia Commission Blueberry Marketing Order. This allows for the assessment of blueberries produced in Georgia. Growers who annually produce and market 2,000 pounds or more of blueberries are eligible to vote. The current assessment amount is set at $5 per ton. Growers can vote and return the …
H-2A Reform: Is Farm Workforce Modernization Act the Answer?
If it’s not at the top of the list of concerns for vegetable and specialty crop producers, it’s near the top – immigration reform, specifically H-2A reform. One potential remedy could be on the way. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced last week by two members of the House of Representatives, is the latest attempt to help farmers who are …
Disease Management: Onions Vulnerable Amid Rainfall, High Temperatures
Field conditions are conducive for disease pressure to increase in Vidalia onion fields in Southeast Georgia. That’s why Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, is imploring farmers to stay on top of their fungicide sprays. “Looking around the fields last week, we definitely saw more disease …
Immigration Reform: Ag Leaders Sound Off on Timely Topic
The USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum recently highlighted various topics surrounding the future of the industry. Two agricultural leaders discussed one issue that has been at the industry’s forefront in the Southeast – immigration reform. National Council of Farmer Cooperatives President and CEO Chuck Conner said immigration reform has long been a hot issue discussed in Washington D.C. but has failed …
Brighter Days: Sunshine Sparks Growth in Vidalia Onions
Georgia Vidalia onion producers experienced much-needed sunshine last week. It allowed them to get back into the field and apply fertilizer and fungicide sprays, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “Growers were wide open last week trying to get caught up with fertilizer and with …
Knowing Nitrogen: How Much Should Pecan Producers Apply?
One of University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells’ points of emphasis this winter has been the need for growers to cut costs, not corners amid low prices. One way to do that is by considering how much nitrogen is needed and in what form. Wells provides insight for growers who need to save money every chance they …
QLA Deadline: Pecan Producers Reminded to Sign Up
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells encourages producers to apply for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) program. The deadline for the USDA program, which provides assistance to farmers who suffered eligible losses due to natural disasters in 2018 and 2019, is Friday, March 5. Wells reminded growers of the program in the UGA Pecan Extension blog. Hurricane …