U.S. Hemp growers are disappointed the recent Coronavirus Food Assistance Program commodity expansion does not include hemp. Last week, the Department of Agriculture expanded the commodities covered under the program that provides COVID-19 relief to producers. CFAP includes commodities that USDA can prove saw losses of 5% or more in the first quarter of 2020. The U.S. Hemp Growers Association …
Uncertainty in the Pecan Market
One thing is certain about this year’s pecan crop in Alabama and Georgia – it is loaded. One thing that is not certain is what kind of price those pecans command at the market once they’re harvested this fall. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells said there are various factors that will impact prices for farmers this …
Second Virtual Hearing Scheduled for Thursday
Georgia producers and agricultural industry leaders will testify in a virtual hearing on Thursday with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR). The hearings will provide the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and United States Department of Agriculture an opportunity to hear from growers in Georgia about the urgent need for federal action regarding unfair trade, specifically with Mexican imports. This …
Research Center in Live Oak, Florida Enrolls in BMPs
By: Kelly Aue, Suwannee River Partnership Outreach Coordinator, 386-219-4257, kaue@ufl.edu LIVE OAK, Fla. — As the main research center serving farmers in the Suwannee River Valley, the mission of the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley (UF/IFAS NFREC-SV) is to protect the area’s natural resources while helping farms succeed. In support of this goal, the center …
Florida Strawberry Industry Members Speak out About Unfair Trade with Mexico
Florida Strawberry Growers Association Dover, Fla. (August 18, 2020) – U.S. trade officials and federal agencies held the first of two virtual meetings on August 13 with the agriculture industry to hear testimonies on unfair trade practices with Mexico. More than 35 witnesses testified to a hearing committee consisting of representatives from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Department …
Hemp Scouting Important This Time of Year
Heat and humidity in the Southeast means hemp producers face challenges this season with regards to pests and diseases. Matthew Brecht, cannabis grower, hemp expert and plant pathologist with Marrone Bio Innovations, said scouting is essential for growers especially since not much research has been done with this relatively new crop. “Right now (hemp) should be transitioning to flowers. You …
Citrus and VSC Expos Start Wednesday
The 2020 Citrus Expo and Vegetable & Specialty Crop (VSC) Expo will be held Wednesday and Thursday, August 19-20. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event has transitioned to a virtual format, but growers can still get the same great Expo experience they are accustomed to. Both the citrus and VSC seminar programs will debut online at CitrusExpo.net at 9:30 a.m. …
Fumigants for Nematode Management in Vegetables
By Abolfazl Hajihassani and Chinaza Nnamdi The majority of vegetable production in Georgia is located in multiple counties in the southern region of the state. Vegetables are grown year-round on both raised beds covered with polyethylene plastic mulch and on bare ground. Using a comprehensive survey conducted in 2018, we have documented that root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., are the No. …
Georgia Blueberry Producer: You Don’t Have to Have a Ph.D. in Economics to See What’s happening
Russ Goodman Talks About Impact of Unfair Trade Ahead of Thursday’s Virtual Hearing A prominent blueberry producer in Southeast Georgia believes the future of the American family farm could hinge on any action taken as a result of the virtual hearing scheduled for Thursday. Russ Goodman is one of several farmers and industry leaders in Georgia who will testify in …
Alabama Pest Alert
According to the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page, insect pressure has increased significantly over the past two months. This was reported in 20 locations across Alabama, where moth counts from pheromone traps were collected. For example, the beet armyworm moth numbers were 823 as of Aug. 15, a 1.2X increase from the 682 reported on July 31. Host plants …