By Clint Thompson Regions across the Southeast have received much-needed rainfall in recent days. But will it be enough to alleviate some of the drought conditions being felt in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and other Southeastern states? Growers will know more when the next U.S. Drought Monitor is released on Thursday. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, believes the …
Burn Ban Lifted: Conditions Improve in North Carolina
RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning effective at noon Monday, Dec. 13, for the following counties in North Carolina: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Forsyth, Granville, Guilford, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Orange, Person, Polk, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, Transylvania, Vance, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and …
NCDA&CS Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that 16 specialty crop projects have received more than $2.9 million in USDA grants in 2021. Projects included new research on reusing old greenhouse structures for strawberry production, how to limit insecticide usage that can harm pollinators, addressing health and safety concerns for farm workers, and consumer awareness campaigns …
Safe Eating During Thanksgiving: Keep Foods Free from Foodborne Illness
WASHINGTON — Americans will enjoy Thanksgiving this week with family and friends. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds everyone that it is important to keep family and friends safe from foodborne illnesses this Thanksgiving. “Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times to remind people about food safety,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I personally know how much effort it …
Georgia Farmer: Not Going to Replace All These Truckers Overnight
By Clint Thompson One Georgia farmer believes there are changes that could be made to the current truck driving system that would attract more drivers. The first is reducing the minimum age required to drive on the roads, says Kent Hamilton, owner and CEO of Southern Valley in Norman Park, Georgia. “Some things I’ve heard is reducing the age requirement …
Sweetpotato Sustainability: N.C. State Using Grant to Study Crop Pest
Sweetpotato acreage in the U.S. has increased in recent years, particularly in North Carolina, America’s largest producer. North Carolina State researchers were awarded a grant to ensure sweetpotato remains a sustainably viable crop for years to come. NC State’s Craig Yencho, a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Horticulture, leads a team of university scientists that have been awarded a $5 …
Georgia Vegetable Grower: Supply Chain Crisis a Strain That Will Get Worse
By Clint Thompson The current supply chain crisis is putting a strain on vegetable farmers in the Southeast. It is likely to get worse before it gets better. That’s the message that Jon Schwalls, Executive Officer at Southern Valley, sent to the U.S. House Ag Committee during testimony last week. Crop protection products that growers utilize and take for granted …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Persist Across Southeast
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions continue to persist in certain areas across the Southeast. In Florida, abnormally dry conditions are detected in the northeast part of the state, along the Atlantic coast. These range from Nassau County to Volusia County. Dry conditions are also being experienced in Southeast Georgia, along the Atlantic coast in Richmond County, …
Industry Leader: Truck Driver Shortage Not Surprising
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 …