ATA Anticipates 1.1 Million Truckers Needed Over Next 10 Years By Clint Thompson The truck driver shortage in the U.S. that is disrupting vegetable and specialty crop operations and causing increased freight costs is not a surprise to one industry leader. It just came to light during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tra Williams, owner and president of FleetForce Truck Driving …
Dry Conditions Starting to Persist Across Southeast Region
Drought conditions are starting to persist across the Southeast region. In Florida, abnormally dry conditions are present across the north-to-northeast part of the state; as far west as Hamilton County, stretching to Nassau County. Dry conditions are present along the Atlantic Coast, stretching as far south as Brevard County and Indian River County. In Georgia, abnormally dry conditions are located …
S.C. Producer Named Southeastern Farmer of the Year
South Carolina fruit and vegetable producer Robert “Bob” Martin Hall was named the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year on Tuesday during the 43rd annual Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Hall, from York, South Carolina, is in his 42nd year of farming. He produces strawberries, peaches, cantaloupes, melons, blackberries, blueberries, sweet corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, squash, …
Georgia Economist: Most of Increased Input Costs are Temporary
By Clint Thompson Input costs remain high for vegetable and specialty crop producers. But they are not permanent, stresses Jeff Dorfman, University of Georgia Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and State Fiscal Economist for Georgia. “I think most of this is temporary. People need to understand, we basically took a worldwide supply chain for every industry …
NCDA&CS Offers Organic Certification Cost-Share Assistance
RALEIGH – Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Growers who are certified or re-certified between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, can apply for assistance through the program. “Applicants can be reimbursed up …
Weather Impact: Crops Flooded by Fred Cannot Be Used for Human Food
RALEIGH, N.C. – Farmers whose crops were flooded by Tropical Storm Fred face not only the prospect of lower yields and loss of quality, but also the reality that those crops cannot be used for human food. “Floodwater may contain sewage, harmful organisms, pesticides, chemical wastes or other substances,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Also, wet foods may grow mold, …
Southeast Still Relatively Drought Free
The Southeastern United States remains relatively drought free, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama, Florida, Georgia each has sufficient moisture. Only a small portion of Greenville County and Spartanburg County are abnormally dry in South Carolina. A stretch of counties in western North Carolina remains abnormally dry. The counties stretch as far west as Henderson County …
N.C. State Fair Announces Farm Family of the Day Program
RALEIGH – Has your farm family got what it takes to be one of the 11 families recognized at the N.C. State Fair as its Farm Family of the Day? If you are proud to be a North Carolina farmer, work hard to contribute to the state’s No. 1 industry and love farming and the N.C. State Fair, you could …
Dry Conditions Remain Minimal Across Southeast Region
Dry conditions continue to be virtually non-existent across the Southeast. Due to persistent rains this summer, the majority of the Southeast region has sufficient moisture, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. There are abnormally dry conditions in Florida, Georgia or Alabama. A small portion of Greenville County and Spartanburg County in South Carolina is abnormally dry. A …
Registration Ongoing for 2021 Piedmont Research Station Horticulture and Specialty Crops Field Day
According to N.C. State Extension, registration is ongoing for the 2021 Piedmont Research Station Horticulture and Specialty Crops Field Day. The in-person field day will be held on Aug. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event will cover research conducted on the Piedmont Research Station, with special emphasis on hemp. Please register for the event through Eventbrite. Per …