The watermelon market continues to be a sweet success for producers in the Southeast. One South Georgia watermelon farmer attests to the strong season he and his colleagues have had this year. Bill Brim, co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms, said on July 10 that he is had an “excellent year” with his watermelon crop. “Prices dropped a little bit after …
UGA Researchers Discover Genes That Allow Bacteria to Resist Onion’s Natural Defenses
By Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News After years of building and analyzing sample collections, plant pathologists at the University of Georgia have identified the genes that allow a type of bacteria that causes onion center rot to resist onions’ natural defenses in a “chemical arms race.” The pathogen Pantoea ananatis can enter onions through the leaves — usually as …
Potential La Nina Weather Event Could Impact Pecans Later This Season
An increasing likelihood of a La Nina weather event this fall could impact row crop farmers and specialty crop producers as well, said Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “When we do have a La Nina, we do tend to have a little bit drier than normal fall. Dryness in the fall isn’t necessarily bad. It’s helpful …
New Format Planned for Educational Sessions During Virtual Citrus Expo
While coronavirus will prevent the citrus industry from gathering this year at Citrus Expo, it will not stop growers from getting the education they need. The 2020 Citrus Expo educational program will be held live online Aug. 19–20 and will include door prizes. If you’re lucky, you could walk away with one of four $200 Bass Pro gift cards! The …
Collins, Scott Urge Trump Administration to Protect American Farmers From Mexico’s Unfair Trade Practices
ATLANTA, Ga. – Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Austin Scott (R-Ga.) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer urging the Administration to protect American farmers from Mexico’s unfair trade practices as it works to implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). “As you may know, Mexico’s increased market share of produce and perishable goods at record-low prices in the …
Pecan Crop Could Be One of Best in Recent Seasons
Georgia’s pecan industry is shaping up to have one of its most productive crops in recent years. But what that means for the industry come harvest time and how that will impact prices remains to be seen, according to South Georgia farmer Randy Hudson. “We do feel like we have a really good crop. Now, what that actually means, I …
GFGVA Conducting COVID-19 Expense Survey
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFGVA) is conducting a survey with growers to gather data on expenses incurred in response to COVID-19 from Jan. 1 through June 30. The anonymous survey is designed for GFVGA to gather information to share with officials who will propose legislation aimed at protecting the growers who produce the crops that feed our …
FMC Launches Avaunt eVo Insect Control Formulation to Tackle Key Pests Affecting Fruit, Vegetable Growers
Advanced formulation of the only Group 22 insecticide for agricultural use delivers improved control and performance consistency. PHILADELPHIA, July 14, 2020 – FMC has just released and made available for immediate use a new insecticide formulation, Avaunt eVo insect control, in a range of crops including brassicas, pome and stone fruits, cucurbits, leafy vegetables, low-growing berries and dried and succulent …
Mental Health in Agriculture Industries
Agriculture industries have had to adapt to a lot of change in recent months. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has created a series of professional development webinars to help these industries navigate the global pandemic. The most recent session of the six-part webinar series featured a panel focused on mental health in rural communities. …
Potato Farmers Benefit From Latest CFAP Revisions
By Clint Thompson Florida potato farmers are one commodity group that benefited from last week’s USDA’s revision to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Potatoes were one of seven eligible commodities added to Category 1. The USDA found these commodities had a 5% or greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April because of the coronavirus pandemic. Originally, these commodities were …