Reps. Franklin, Soto Request EPA to Reconsider Ban of Thiram Fungicide

Web AdminGeneral, Specialty Crops

WASHINGTON — Representatives Scott Franklin (FL-15) and Darren Soto (FL-09) sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency on May 20 urging reconsideration of a ban on the usage of Thiram, an important fungicide used in the cultivation of strawberries. A ban of Thiram would be devastating to the strawberry production, according to industry experts. In December, the EPA proposed …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates

Web AdminGeneral, Specialty Crops

Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “As we see temperatures increase, strawberry flowering is reducing. Plants are still heavy with fruit, so managing diseases such as anthracnose and botrytis through fungicides and sanitation are key. Pests and diseases …

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Specialty Crop Producer: Our Guys Need to Make Money

Web AdminAgri-business, Specialty Crops

By Clint Thompson The 2022 season could be a pivotal year for specialty crop farmers. A production season that began with input costs spiking to unforeseen levels needs to end with growers pocketing some money, says Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “I think this season is a crucial season …

Dry Weather Helping Georgia’s Specialty Crops

Web AdminGeorgia, Specialty Crops, Weather

By Clint Thompson The current dry weather sweltering Southeast Georgia is not ideal for row crop farmers but just what specialty crop growers prefer this spring season. Even if it involves paying more for to apply water, it’s nothing compared to managing diseases that often accompany increased rainfall, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of …

Weed Management Starts Early for Snap Bean Producers

Web AdminGeneral, Specialty Crops

By Clint Thompson A sound weed management program early in the season is essential for snap bean producers. Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, highlights the importance and impact that weed suppression can have on bean production. “I would say when it …

Rural Stress Summit to Connect Georgia Farmers with Community Resources

Web AdminAgri-business, General, Specialty Crops

Farm family health and wellness remain a priority for rural Georgia communities and are the focus of an upcoming free, one-day stress summit. The event, called “Stress on the Farm: Supporting Wellbeing of Georgia Farm Families,” is scheduled for May 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. Register at no cost by May …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Web AdminGeneral, South Carolina, Specialty Crops

Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update – 5/9/22 Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Spider mites in the area are increasing in number on a variety of crops including strawberries and watermelons. When choosing an insecticide always choose a specific miticide. …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates

Web AdminGeneral, Specialty Crops

Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Some welcome rainfall last week will help establish cucumbers and watermelon. Cucumber beetles are present in a large number of fields at present. While this is the first flux of the …